~Chapter 49~

Noella

There were two things I was certain about in this moment. First, this Corissa woman was not my mom and I knew that based on the sole fact she has made multiple attempts on my life. Second, was the fact that my journey was a frivolous one because apparently my mom has been dead this whole time and that knowledge alone ate at me. If I had only been faster and not been distracted by all the people I had met here in this world. What would I tell my sister? How would I tell her that our mom was gone. The guilt was eating at me and I let it. However, the more I recollected my thoughts, my mind thought about Joel. I criticized myself for not trusting him more. Yes, there were lies told, but over the course of traversing the provinces, he could have murdered me at many opportunities and he didn't. If I hadn't let my hurt cloud my judgment, maybe things wouldn't be like this now.

My mind floated back to the present. I felt weakened by this bracelet on my wrist. The effects were immediate and I felt like I was in a daze. Joel charged his brother tackling him to the ground. I barely managed to crawl out of the way to avoid being hit in the impact.

"Kill him, Kaleb." Corissa ordered.

"My pleasure." Kaleb grunted.

They tumbled around the ground until Kaleb suddenly kicked Joel off him and he slid by me. Kaleb jumped to his feet as did Joel, but before moving toward his brother, he stopped grabbing my wrist.

"You insolent fool!" Corissa yelled blasting bolts of magic energy at Joel, which he deflected with his dual blades. In seconds, he gripped the bracelet on my wrist and squeezed hard. It crumbled off my wrist in pieces on the ground. Without a word, he charged his brother again, weapons blazing. They were evenly matched blow for blow. The main difference being that Joel had a heart and Kaleb did not considering his adoration and service for his mistress. I was still in a daze, but the effects from the bracelet were fading. Suddenly Kaleb lunged his sword toward Joel's gut, but Joel leapt out of the way in time. Though only barely because Kaleb's blade still managed to slice deep into Joel's arm. I looked on nervously, but out of my peripherals, Corissa conjured up a larger iron choker more than likely for my neck. I had no weapon, but I rolled over to my backpack quickly. I needed something hard and something quick. I yanked out clothes and a small coin purse of money and finally a iron skillet from camp yesterday that Kristoff had put in my pack. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing. I held out the skillet defensively and Corissa looked at me surprised by the object.

"You're kidding right?" She said.

Clearly, she wasn't taking me seriously and why would she when she had dark magic powers. I glanced at the boys and they had crashed a couple times into the wall and shook the mirrors.

"Be careful, you fools!" Corissa growled and quickly turned back to face me.

My hands were shaking as I held that pitiful skillet.

"I've had just about enough of this." Corissa snapped. "The noise in my head must be silenced."

Corissa stamped on the ground with her staff in one hand and her free hand dropped the iron choker and began to glow green. This eerie glow enveloped her entire body as she began laughing. She crouched down and began to grow...bigger and bigger in size. My heart was racing as I watched this metamorphosis. A large black paw emerged as an enormous beast took form. It looked like a black panther, but with a lion's mane and a snake on its tail. Joel and Kaleb looked on in surprise.

"The Chimera." Joel said.

We exchanged momentary glances as he threw me one of his blades. What did he expect me to do? Go to battle with this thing? Regardless, I had to summon up my courage. This Corissa woman murdered my mom and she would pay for that. The beast lunged at me with sharp, enormous claws, but I quickly dodged out of the way trying maintain a steady breath because I knew if I got too winded...I wouldn't be quick enough. As the beast leapt for me once again, I missed her paws, but the snake had managed to coil around my sword wielding hand.

As I tried to pry the serpent from my arm, I watched Joel pin his brother down and pierce his brother's shoulder with his own blade. Kaleb howled in pain.

"You don't finish any job, do you?" Kaleb muttered.

"No, because I'm not a man like you." Joel said before hitting his brother on the head with the hilt of his blade knocking Kaleb out cold. In seconds he rushed over to me prying the snake from my arm. It was definitely a deja vu moment from when we had battled Jafar. Joel cut off the snake tail, which made the creature howl in fury. With a sudden spin, the creature leapt around raising its paw to strike, but Joel pushed me out of the way knocking me to the ground. He took the blow from the paw and was hurdled backward hitting the wall of mirrors making one fall to the ground and crack. It landed near where Joel was. He had blood coming out a gash in his head from the impact of the blow. The Chimera leapt for me and I rolled underneath the creature trying to stab my blade wherever I could to try and cause damage. I landed a strike on each leg, but I didn't manage to cut too deep. I don't know if that was my lack of strength or courage to defend myself against her.

Joel

I felt the warmth of the blood trailing down my forehead and I looked on at Noella who was trying her best to defend herself against the Chimera. I was in a daze, I could swear I was seeing double. No matter, I had to help. I pulled myself up staggering to my feet feeling quite weak and grabbed my blade that had been tossed on the floor. Noella was losing and I couldn't stand it if she died without me trying to help. I didn't know what sort of strength Kadri had bestowed me, but I was going to use it all until there was none left to give. I ran toward the beast charging it with full strength and my blade raised. I body slammed it as hard as I could manage and the creature was thrown back breaking through the wall leading outside on the balcony. The ice palace seemed to shake from the impact. Noella looked back at me in shock and ran over noticing my wounds.

"We're not out of the woods yet…" I pressed.

Noella frowned and ran over to the mirrors that housed all her friends. She lifted up the one that fell on the ground that Snow White was in. Noella shook the mirror.

"Come forth…release my friend!" She ordered.

Nothing happened.

"Maybe it's easier than you think?" I questioned, "You already brought down several magic barriers...this should be easy."

Noella reached out placing her hand on the glass of the mirror and immediately her hand went through rippling the glass. To her surprise, but not mine, I knew she could do it. When she looked up at me excited, her face froze in a look of terror. As I spun around, the Chimera began to charge Noella at full speed with its jaws wide open. I had mere seconds to make a crucial decision, but to me, it wasn't a hard choice. I quickly stepped in front of Noella as the beasts jaws pierced my body. I howled in pain and Noella screamed my name. The Chimera shook me around like a rag doll in its mouth before letting me fall out onto the icy floor. My body was broken, but all that mattered was that she was alive. I could rest easy knowing that. I wanted another chance to tell her that I loved her and that she meant everything to me even to the point of giving up my life. It would be soon and I was afraid it would be too late before I could tell her.

Noella

Joel laid there on the floor and I watched his chest just to be sure he was breathing, but I couldn't tell. I couldn't get the image of all the blood from my mind. I was panicking and to my surprise, the Chimera suddenly began to glow morphing again to reveal Corissa's human form once again. However, she did look tired and I could see blows from the blade etched in her skin.

"How quaint…" She sneered, "I thought I wanted Joel to watch you die, but I kind of like this turnout better."

"Shut up, you witch!" I growled.

I turned suddenly hearing Joel cough, but moments later, something cold and heavy was snapped on my neck. The iron choker was much harder on me compared to the bracelet from before. Corissa laughed as I tried to pull it off. It wouldn't budge the slightest.

"You're mine now, Noella." Corissa grinned, "Did you honestly think I wouldn't have my way? You're a worthless, impudent fool who doesn't know her place."

"N-No." I muttered trying not to let her lies sink in my head.

"Every person you have met in this world has been hurt by meeting you. You're a walking plague on this land." She continued.

Hearing these lies were hard to combat due to the power of the choker weakening my resolve.

"Y-You're the plague." I replied weakly.

"Oh ouch…" Corissa mocked, "That went deep."

I scooted over to Joel grabbing his hand in mine. His eyes were open, but he was lacking any sign of good color in his face.

"Say your goodbyes, you'll both be gone in a few moments." Corissa continued to mock.

Joel smiled weakly bringing his hand to my cheek and I put my hand on top of his. His touch was cold and lacking warmth. This terrified me. I slowly got up on my feet walking over to Snow White's mirror.

"What are you doing?" Corissa said, "That choker should practically immobilize you."

In one fluid stride, I stood in front of Snow White's mirror and slid my arm through breaking the seal and pulling my friend out. She came out in a daze. Corissa screamed in anger.

"N-Noella?" Snow mumbled clearly confused and disoriented, "Where am I?"

"I'll explain later, Snow, but I need your help. Take my hand." I urged.

She did so and a glow of light emerged from our joined hands.

"You wretches!" Corissa yelled.

She blasted us with numerous magic bolts, which Snow and I easily deflected and the power behind the blasts were weak. Snow and I continued down the line of mirrors rescuing my friends from their glass prisons. Once all released, all nine of us stood in a line and I was in the center with all our hands joined.

"You have no power anymore…" Snow White said.

"Noella is a gift to our world." Aurora added.

"She is kind." Cinderella said.

"Brave." Ariel added.

"Smart." Belle said.

"Resourceful." Anna said.

"And is a queen in her own right." Elsa said, "We're all together because of her presence here, so by the powers within each of us, we order you to begone."

"Never!" Corissa spat, "I still have power and I can take you on. Darkness reigns supreme."

Frantically, Corissa began blasting bolts of energy toward us, which all deflected. In this line of women imbued with light, I stretched out my hand toward Corissa and a powerful beam of light escaped my hand hitting Corissa and she screamed. All my friends followed my lead each emitting a light from their palms. We moved outside onto the balcony and Corissa had pushed back near the edge. The light continued to hit Corissa and I saw an eerie dark smoke begin to exit her body. There was obvious pain held in Corissa's face and dark veining began to appear along her cheekbones. Something was happening. Suddenly something black oozed out of her mouth as she screamed. The dark essence began floating above our heads in a black sort of cloud. I looked at Corissa as her eyes filled with tears.

"Noella, honey...it's me. It's mom." She muttered.

My heart leapt with relief upon hearing her voice. It was her. She was here all along. However, I refocused and took aim at the dark cloud hovering above us.

"Ladies, let's tame that darkness." I said.

All eight of us hit that dark presence with so much light that after about a minute, it began to swirl around and eventually disappeared completely. Triumphantly, we all looked around in disbelief that we did it...especially me more than anyone. I thanked all my friends for their support and we gave each other a big group hug. Moments later, I turned to face my mom. Her eyes were glazed over and I shook my head running into her arms. Tears fell down my cheeks faster than I could tell them to.

"It's really you?"

Mom patted my head crying quietly herself.

"Yes, it's really me sweetie. I'm in control of my own body again. Two's a crowd."

I pulled back smiling broadly reaching up toward her hair taking out her high ponytail letting her hair drop down long passed her shoulders.

"It's not a good look for you." I winked.

Mom gave my hand a squeeze.

"Noella…" Belle said quickly, "It's Joel."

Joel was still collapsed on the ground and his eyes were closed, but to my relief, I saw his chest moving up and down. I grabbed his hand and placed it against my cheek as tears fell from my eyes.

"Joel." I whispered.

His eyes barely opened and I wasn't even sure if he could see me.

"Stay with me, Joel!" I urged.

Joel gently wiped my tears with his thumb as he smiled weakly at me.

"I love you, Noella." He murmured.

"Stay with me, Joel. This isn't goodbye." I pressed.

His eyes closed and he didn't move again. I looked around frantically trying to think about what I could do. Then I remembered Merryweather's gift in my pack.

"Noella? How can we help?" Elsa asked.

"Can someone bring me that backpack?" I asked frantically.

All my friends formed a line and passed my backpack down to me and I quickly rummaged through it finding what I was looking for in a small zipped pocket. I took out the little blue bean and placed it on the ground. I wasn't sure how I could possibly plant it in the ice to summon her as Merryweather instructed me to do, but I had to try. I covered it with my hand and closed my eyes focusing hard. Before long, a blue light appeared and the fairy, Merryweather sprung forth. She hovered off the ground using her wings and she tapped her wand.

"Noella! I can see you found your mom." Merryweather smiled.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"I'm a fairy dear, I know more than you think. So you summoned me, so I imagine your wish is for me to take you home?"

"It was going to be, but now I need you to save Joel. Please, he's dying." I pressed urgently.

Merryweather went over to Joel assessing the damage.

"If this is your wish, you realize then I won't be able to get you home…" Merryweather cautioned.

I turned and looked back at mom who seemed to understand the predicament we were in.

"Please, heal him." I said with a nod.

"Very well." Merryweather nodded.

Merryweather waved her wand over Joel's body and he began to emit a bright white light. Soon the light faded and my heart leapt with joy as Joel opened his eyes. His wounds all over his body were gone and I was elated. Joel smiled broadly at me.

"Don't think you can get rid of me that easy…" He winked.

I threw my arms around him hugging him tightly. As we pulled away, he pressed his lips to mine gently. I then leaned up against his shoulder looking at Merryweather.

"Thank you." I told her.

"My dear, this is what I do." She winked.

All the princesses gathered around smiling at Joel and I.

"What do we do now?" Ariel asked.

"I think introductions are in order." Cinderella replied.

Everyone did so and when it was Anna's turn, she paused looking deep in thought.

"What is it, Anna?" I asked.

"Why don't we form a council of sorts. We each oversee the various provinces already, so with the barriers brought down between our worlds, why don't we all work together on restoring our lands? With my sister Elsa as high queen, after all, she is not princess, but a queen."

All the princesses exchanged glances, but agreed to the proposal.

"I thank you all for your trust in me." Elsa nodded, "It's time to rebuild this world."

"Excuse me your highness…" Joel commented, "I think it's best to start with those trapped in the basement below."

"Of course." Elsa agreed.

Over the next several minutes, all of us ventured to the basement and all the prince's of the provinces were turned into stone. Marcus. Phillip. Thomas. Eric. Adam. Aladdin. Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf were stone as well. Eugene and Rapunzel were trapped here too, but just locked up. Luckily it didn't take much to free everyone considering those of us with powers of light could touch someone turned to stone and they would be freed. The celebration of victory was shared between everyone. An initial hurdle was explaining to everyone who the real Corissa was and that her body was being controlled by the evil sorceress Maleficent. It didn't take much convincing considering everyone knew me and my heart, so they believed me when I told them about my mom. Elsa requested that Merryweather along with each of the princesses spread word across every province. In a week's time, there would be a grand celebration held in Elsa and Anna's province of Arendelle.

A Week Later…

Crowds of people flooded into Arendelle, not to mention many species of friendly animal creatures. Familiar faces and new faces gathered, but everyone together, which was a beautiful thing. Elsa had returned Arendelle to its rightful summer season getting rid of the extreme snowy climate. She had a beautiful crimson gown made for me for the ceremony. Merryweather gifted my mom with a lovely burgundy gown. I smiled at her as she and Joel sat in the front row for the ceremony. Elsa walked up to the podium on the stage just inside Arendelle's palace courtyard. She individually introduced each princess and finally herself.

"None of us would be here without the sacrifice of a courageous woman on a mission to help her mother, and in turn she helped all of us by bringing down barriers and unifying our provinces. Please give an applause for Noella." Elsa said proudly.

The crowd erupted in a rowdy applause and animal hoots and hollers. My eyes flooded with emotion, but I refused to let them escape. This was a happy moment. I glanced at Joel and my mom who were both smiling broadly at me. Elsa had me stand and take a quick bow and once the applause died down a bit, Elsa concluded her speech.

"Our provinces henceforth will be known as Fantasia. So let it be known."

The crowd erupted in cheering again.

After the ceremony there was a long reception for citizens of all provinces to meet and greet each other and get to know the princesses. I found my mom and gave her a big hug.

"Think we can get used to living here?" I asked her.

"It's growing on me, but it's hard for it to become a home when a part of us is missing." Mom replied glumly.

Riley was still in Seattle waiting for our return.

"Maybe the fairies have an idea." I shrugged, "It wouldn't hurt to ask."

As the reception continued late into the afternoon, Joel was reunited with his family who had been under house arrest for many months while Joel served as the Huntsman. He was overcome with emotion upon seeing his parents hugging them both tight. Joel quickly introduced us and I was warmly welcomed by them. Soon another person flew down joining us. He was a young boy wearing a green shirt and pants with a red feather in his hat.

"Hello again." He greeted Joel and his parents, "Boy, it's been a long time hasn't it?"

"Again?" Joel questioned.

Joel's parents looked as if they had seen a ghost.

"Sure. I'm Peter Pan, but I suppose it makes sense you don't remember. You were a baby...you and your twin. I had brought you here. I'm glad you turned out okay."

"Brought us from where?" Joel pressed as I grabbed his hand.

"You're one of my lost boys." Peter replied, "Under Grimhilde's reign she had me travel to far off lands bringing her orphaned babes to raise up to serve her. I hated taking children like that, but I had no choice. I'm sorry I was involved."

I glanced at Joel who looked shocked beyond belief.

"Peter, would you give us a few minutes?" I said.

"Sure thing." He nodded and quickly flew off.

Joel looked at his parents in disbelief and they at first wouldn't meet his gaze.

"Is that all true?" Joel asked.

Their lack of eye contact spoke volumes.

"We're so sorry, Joel." His mom replied as a tear fell from her eye.

"The queen commissioned us to take care of you and your brother until you became of age to join her forces." Joel's dad continued.

"Raising you and your brother was our greatest joy. You weren't ours by blood, but even so, you were ours…" His mom said.

"I-I got to go." Joel quickly said turning and walking away. I turned back to his parents.

"We'll be back." I insisted and quickly ran after him.

I followed Joel into Arendelle's palace and promptly went into the dungeons deep in the basement. This is where Kaleb was being held until he would be transferred for life imprisonment for his crimes carried out in Snow White's province. I stood back as I watched Joel approach his brother behind bars.

"Well Kaleb, you can keep a secret."

"What are you talking about?"

"We're adopted?" I snapped.

"Ah…" Kaleb grinned stretching his arms behind his head, "So you finally figured it out. Took you long enough."

"How long have you known?"

"Shortly after I became a Huntsman...the queen told me because she knew the information wouldn't distract me from my duties. Unlike you…"

Joel stepped away from the bars and pounded on them with his fists in anger.

"Temper, temper." Kaleb mocked.

Joel exhaled heavily pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

"Do you know where we're from?" Joel asked.

"Our orphanage was near a place called Sea-Tac something…I don't remember." Kaleb replied.

I approached Joel pulling him into my arms bending my lips to his ear.

"Can you trust this information?" I whispered.

"My brother is a liar, but why would he about this? I believe it." He nodded and glanced over at his brother, "Goodbye, Kaleb." He muttered.

We quickly left the prison and rejoined the reception because I had to tell him while we had a moment alone.

"Joel, I can tell you all about Sea-Tac." I said smiling broadly grabbing his shoulders.

"How?"

"Because Sea-Tac is an airport where I live…" I said quickly.

"Airport?" Joel questioned, "I don't understand."

"Ugh nevermind, but your brother just told us you're from Seattle! My hometown!"

"Seriously?" Joel asked incredulously.

"It seems so." I nodded, "We're more alike that I thought."

Joel leaned in pressing his lips to mine sweetly bringing his hand to the small of my back. Soon, we heard someone clear their throat as Joel and I pulled away from each other. Elsa was smiling at us as she approached.

"Sorry to interrupt you two." She winked, "But the fairies would like a word…"

"What do Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather want?" I asked curiously.

"No I mean...all the fairies." Elsa corrected.

She led the way as Joel and I curiously followed her. She brought us into the Arendelle palace and in a small chapel. Mom was already here sitting in the front row of pews. Elsa led us up to join mom as we sat down.

"What's going on?" Mom whispered.

"I'm not sure." I replied.

Standing before us were a few familiar faces and one unfamiliar one. Standing before us was Flora, Fauna, Merryweather, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, and another fairy dressed in blue robes with blonde hair. Elsa quickly whispered that she was the Blue Fairy and she promptly left us alone. Merryweather suddenly approached me.

"We're here to take you home, Noella."

"Seriously?" I asked, "I already used my wish to heal Joel though."

"Yes…" Merryweather replied, "And I told you I wouldn't be able to get you home...I ALONE wouldn't be able to get you home…" She winked.

Excitedly I turned toward my mom giving her a huge hug. Finally, we could go home and reunite with my little sister. I turned toward Joel grabbing his hand.

"Please tell me you're coming with me…" I muttered.

"Do you even think you have to ask? There isn't anything for me here. As far as I'm concerned, you're my future. Where you go, I go Noella." He smiled kissing my forehead.

"Are you ready?" The Fairy Godmother asked raising her wand along with the other fairies.

"Wait," I said suddenly, "I need to say goodbye." I urged.

"Way ahead of you." A voice called out.

It was Elsa and she brought in all my friends who I had met along my journey. The princesses of all the realms and their princes along with Moana, Peter Pan, the seven dwarves, Sven, and Olaf among others. Standing just behind them all were Joel's adoptive parents. He went over to them while I said my goodbyes to everyone else. I saved Elsa for last giving her the final hug. She handed me my backpack.

"You've done Fantasia a great service. Even though I haven't known you as long as the others, I feel like I got to in these past week. You always have a home here. Will we see you again?" She asked.

"I hope so Elsa…" I replied, "Goodbye." I said hugging her.

With goodbyes done, I took Joel's hand along with my mom's and rejoined the fairies at the front.

"Ready?" The Blue Fairy asked.

I glanced at Joel and mom and they both nodded at me. The fairies collectively fired their wands at a spot in the room a few steps away conjuring a blue portal. I opted not to look back at my friends behind me, the goodbyes were too painful and I knew in my gut that I would be back. With mom in one hand and Joel in the other, the three of us stepped forward together to return home.

AN: Omgosh guys! I wrote most of this chapter in one sitting and it was a wild ride I must say. I had planned for Joel to be from the modern world since the beginning and I couldn't wait for that reveal! A brief epilogue is up next. I have a sequel planned, so if you enjoyed this story, feel free to give me a follow about all my upcoming stories. :D