Shirayuki was thrown down a pit and it was fairly dark, but not impossible to see. She tried to pull herself up. Her dress was looking pretty mangled and covered in a crimson red dust that matched the cave floor. She dusted herself off from the crimson red dust that also coated the rock floor.

She heard lots of banging sounds and things ripping each other apart.

She heard a familiar voice call down the pit. "Have fun with your new toy!"

"Kiki!" Shirayuki shrieked in fear. "Why are you doing this?!"

But Kiki left without another word.

Shirayuki heard the sound of opening cages and then she was surrounded by men. But there was some kind of sickness that loomed over them. Not an illness, but something that Shirayuki couldn't put her finger on.

Shirayuki backed away from them slowly.

They looked like they might hurt her in ways she could never recover from.

One man came into the moonlit pit and the light exposed him for what he is. He had black paws and silver stripes. His claws were massive and definitely brought many victims to their demise. His mouth had tiger like fangs and then as he approached her, he was tackled by a giant black bear that had come out of nowhere. He suddenly changed into a full on tiger, with glowing red eyes and silver stripes on his black body and quickly defended his new territory.

Shirayuki suddenly noticed that the men surrounding her were changing into all kinds of beasts and ripping each other apart over possession of her. She felt the cave wall at her back and cringed as she knew she would eventually be at their mercy. She had to dodge a few swipes of misguided claws and jump out of the way before getting crush by a giant gorilla beast, that was thrown at the wall in her direction.

Out of nowhere a hand grabbed her and led her towards the shadows. "This way!" It was a female voice that expressed urgency.

Shirayuki didn't know who she was but she knew that her chances were better with this woman. They managed to get out of the caves but Shirayuki's foot got caught on a dead stump and she tumbled down the dark and dreary rocky slope.

She landed at the base with a crunch. She quickly inspected herself to see if she had broken anything and sure enough, she did. She broke a dead tree branch. A breath of relief escaped her lips, but then she was pulled up onto her feet and urged into the direction of the musty, rotting woods.

The woman pulled her into a cave and Shirayuki finally got to see her rescuer, when she stepped into the candle light. The cave had a simple work desk, book shelves and a pool in the far side. It wasn't much, but the woman took her full attention.

Shirayuki stared at her in great shock. This woman had been infused with poison ivy throughout her body and she wasn't wearing a dress, rather than a big wilted flower. The stamen of that said flower was peaking out from just below her chest and the petals covered her body well enough. Other than the shrivelled brown color it was exhibiting, the flower would have looked like a very fine dress. The petals wrapped around her curves and underneath those petals at her back, were two smaller stamen at the points just above her hips. It could have been sold as a dress, if it weren't for the lack of extension down the legs, that would deem it as inappropriate. Shirayuki could tell that this woman couldn't wear clothes, because the flowers were actually a part of her.

"I know. It looks weird."

Shirayuki felt the itchiness on her arms and started to scratch at them. "Poison ivy?" The rest of her body responded in likeness.

"Yes…"

"Who are you?! What is this place?!" Shirayuki started to panic.

"Princess Shirayuki, please calm down. You are safe for now."

"Please."

"This place is a mysterious magical dungeon, where the Evil Queen plays with her toys."

"Toys?"

"Everything on this island, she created. It is guarded by a magical spell that causes everything to be trapped here forever."

"I have to find Zen and the others! I can't stay here forever!" Shirayuki tried to leave through the exit.

"Stop! It is useless!" The woman reached out and grabbed Shirayuki's arms.

Shirayuki stared in horror as the poison ivy from the woman's arms extended around Shirayuki's and confined her. Shirayuki felt her energy being drained from her.

"I'm sorry!" The woman pulled her arms away and caused the poison ivy to rip at Shirayuki's arms and make them a little raw. "I'm not used to much contact." She tried to comfort Shirayuki. "I won't hurt you. I promise."

Shirayuki's eyes widened at the sight of the flowers that had been wilted, had now sprung to life, showing off an incredible display of vibrant yellow, orange and pink tones. Even her expression was more lively.

"What are you?"

"I'm not really sure. The lands here are covered in complete darkness and the moon only shows on the nights that the Evil Queen comes to visit. I draw strength from the sun, but in a land where it never shows, I am starved. I look to other sources to draw strength, but I never wanted to take that from you."

"I will be alright. What's your name?"

"Swethyna." She went to the shelf to look through some books.

"Black hair... Sapphire eyes... I should have known." Shirayuki smiled.

"Your Highness?"

"You have a son. Deston, right?"

Her eyes widened and sparkled like she might cry. She placed her hand over her mouth. "He's alive?" She gasped as she dropped the book, she just picked up.

Shirayuki panicked a little. She knew he was in her world but this place was far too weird. "I don't know…"

Swethyna picked up her book as the tears descended to the ground. "I lost him, when he was a small boy. He never even knew his father."

"I'm sorry."

"Your Highness, please don't be upset for me asking this… but why are you here?"

"I didn't have a choice. Kiki… she took me from my home." Shirayuki felt like she might cry. "How did you know? That I wasn't from your world, I mean?"

"Do you see these books?" Swethyna turned and slide her fingers down their spines. "The Evil Queen enchanted these books, simply because she wanted to see if she could. She keeps me around, because of my extensive knowledge of their contents. It wasn't a popular practice, but I studied magic for my whole life. I wanted to be prepared if the day ever came where we would need to know how to fight it. I prayed that day would never come. Queen Kiki learned of my knowledge and she has kept me like her pet, ever since." Swethyna pulled out a book from the shelves. "How much do you know about our world?"

"Not much." Shirayuki sighed.

Swethyna ushered Shirayuki to sit on the log that was sitting against the wall, providing some style of reading couch. She then handed her the book.

"I don't think I have time to sit here and read." Shirayuki objected.

"Who said anything about reading?" Swethyna opened the book. There the words were illustrated in an unusual way with moving images and sounds on their pages. The pages didn't even need to be flipped, for it was extended as a film.

Shirayuki saw the pages come to life, as she merely watched the action.

~"Prince Zen! This really is unnecessary!" Kiki objected.

Zen got on his horse. "It is fine, Kiki. The people here are peaceful. It's not like I am going out to the front lines of battle. You can trust me."

Mitsuhide cut in. "If you really think you should go then I am going with you! I still think this is overkill. The people have already surrendered at the base. We don't know how the people will react to us riding in through their city after the war just barely ended. They will have hard feelings towards us. I think we should stay back and wait for them to cool down."

"I suppose you're right. It may be reckless, but if we wait, then we will just be playing right into Prince Kotau's hands. I've had enough with his negotiations. I will not use our first born as a pawn to create an alliance with Taurialle. He only wants it because he believes it will be unique." Zen complained.

"That's not the only reason. Prince Kotau wants the product of true love." Mitsuhide blurted.

"Well he isn't going to get it. Not that it exists in the first place."

"Everyone thought love was a myth too." Kiki reasoned.

"I will make arrangements with the House of Demasies and take them up on their offer. I will not leave my unborn child to chance. Not to Taurialle. No way."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!" Zen whipped his reins and the horse took off.

"You know Prince Izana is going to kill you!" Mitsuhide turned to Kiki. "I better go after him, before he gets himself killed."

"Mitsuhide! Wait!" Kiki followed him too.

~Zen stood in front of the Prince of Taurialle. "I will not allow you to insult our people like this! I will not give you my unborn child in marriage to any of your children!"

Prince Kotau smirked devilishly. "You think that is wise to go against your future king?!"

Zen jumped off his horse and stormed up to him. "Let me get something off my chest. You will never see my child, even if I must marry it off to a peasant!" Zen stood just in front of the other prince, with a death glare that was hardly affecting its mark.

"That's treason then." Prince Kotau smirked and infuriated Zen further.

"Zen, let's go." Mitsuhide tried to get Zen to stand down.

"Not until I set this prince straight." Zen's gaze didn't leave the other prince's. "I challenge you to a fight to the death! Taurialle will be joined in our alliance, with no further questions! If I die, then you know what will happen next!" Zen spoke through gritted teeth.

"I accept." Prince Kotau took his stance and pulled out his sword.

Zen did the same and faced him head on.

In a fight to the death between royalty, any interference was punishable by death.

Zen struck Kotau's sword and they were locked in an enraged fight that lasted for three hours with no one backing down or getting undermined.

Zen stepped back and took a short breather, while Prince Kotau wasn't showing any fatigue or weakness, if he had any. Zen then renewed his attack and after the battle, going back and forth, Zen finally incited more determination and struck Kotau's sword away from him.

Zen pointed his sword at Kotau's throat. "Rescind your offer or you will pay with your life!"

A sly grin appeared on Kotau's face. "You think it would be that easy?"

Mitsuhide looked up to see several archers in the distance pointing their arrows at Zen. Mitsuhide sprung forth and jumped in front of Zen, just in time to take the twelve arrows to his head, chest and stomach. Mitsuhide's body fell down towards Kotau and Kotau rolled out from under him.

"MITSUHIDE!" Kiki and Zen shrieked in terror at the sight of their closest friend being struck with so many arrows. Tears cascaded down both Kiki and Zen's faces.

Zen's grip tightened on his sword. He then chased after Kotau on horseback. He was going to make him pay!

Kiki held Mitsuhide in her arms as she cried her heart out. "... noo… why did this happen…?... why didn't he just listen…?... no one would have had to die… no one… sob…" Kiki burst into tears holding the man she loved so dearly close to herself.

~"Kiki? Is there some particular reason, that I should marry her?" King Izana interlocked his fingers together.

"It would seem that Kiki was chosen for a great many reasons. However, the main reason lies with the House of Seiran. They have a huge influence on the people, as of late. It would seem that everything hangs in a balance. Marrying the daughter will provide more stability for the kingdom." Lord Haruka spoke confidently.

"And when did this development start?"

"Just a few days ago. It seems to have been caused by a sudden disturbance at the docks. I believe that this challenge Prince Zen made to the Prince of Taurialle has made everyone incredibly uneasy about the leadership of our kingdom. It appears that Prince Zen does not share your values and ideals for ruling this kingdom."

"This has to do with the House of Seiran?"

"They are the people that have been the most offset by these actions. It seems that Prince Zen is not only looking for, but instigating trouble. Celan's daughter in particular, was put in grave danger due to the Second Prince's recklessness."

"And this is what they are willing to accept to allow peace in the kingdom. Very well. See to it. I will deal with Zen."

~The guard ran towards the office of the Second Prince and knocked on the door.

"Enter!" Zen ordered.

The guard barged in and placed the letter in his hands, but due to his disposition, the guard must already have been made aware of it's contents.

"You may leave." Zen pulled out the letter and read it.

What does it say?" Shirayuki came to his side.

"The king is dead…" Zen's expression grew dark. Suddenly his attention was diverted to the balcony.

Dark storm clouds were forming very quickly over the castle. They were dense and black.

Zen shot up. "Shirayuki! Take Miko and run!"

"What's going on?" Shirayuki panicked,

"I have a bad feeling. Just go and take Obi with you!"

"Go where?!" Shirayuki cried and little baby Miko started to cry.

"Go to the House of Demasies. I have accepted their offer and they will be inclined to help us out. They will even hide you if necessary." Zen saw that the skies were completely black. "There is no time!"

Shirayuki cried and then ran out of the office as quickly as she was able. "Obi!" She called out to him, wherever he was.

"This way!" Obi yelled from the other hall.

Shirayuki quickly followed him, trying her best to calm Miko's tears.

~Zen held his sword ready.

"It is time to finish this."

Zen turned around and saw Kiki standing right behind him. "I knew it was you. Why do this? After everything we had been through? You would kill my brother?"

"You killed Mitsuhide. This will hardly make us even." Kiki's eyes radiated a hatred and evil that was never seen before.

Zen quivered in remorse. "I never wanted that to happen. Kiki, this isn't you."

"It is now." Kiki raised her hand towards Zen and he turned to stone. Her hand balled into a fist and then she punched the air and the stone structure that had held his pose, was obliterated into little pieces. "Goodbye old friend." Kiki voice filled with disgust at those words.

Kiki approached the balcony and stretched out her arms to the skies. Out of nowhere, big black bats filled the courts and halls.

~Shirayuki was suddenly attacked by a swarm of bats.

"Shirayuki!" Obi turned back to the princesses.

Miko was shrieking in terror, as Shirayuki did everything she could to shield her child from their vicious bites. She fell to her knees and covered Miko with her body screaming as the bats slowly picked her apart.

Obi grabbed Shirayuki's hand and pulled her to her feet as he swatted away the flying terrors.

They managed to get out of the castle, but barely. Shirayuki was bleeding badly.

The black clouds started to rain a thick black substance that caused Shirayuki's feet to get lodged in the black puddles. She tried to shake herself out of it, but only managed to fall on her knees and get stuck even further. "I can't move! Take Miko and go! Get her to Demasies!"

Obi accepted the sweet little baby girl from Shirayuki. "I will get you out to. I promised-"

"It's too late! I'm ordering you to go!" Shirayuki pushed him away. "You'll be safe in the trees! Go!"

Obi took his scarf from his neck and strapped Miko into his chest tightly. Then he ran for the trees and was able to get as far away from the castle as possible.

Obi stopped at a tree and looked back to see the walls were eroding from the black substance. Obi suddenly panicked and pulled the dress off of Miko, before the black collected rain drops could harm her and he found a stream and bathed her. He pulled off his own shirt and there were welts forming all over his body, wherever he was hit. Once he was able to clean the rest off, he took Miko back in his arms. "You will be safe. I promise."

Miko stopped crying for a second and stared into Obi's face. She tried to reach for his nose. She then formed a sweet little smile.

"Let's keep moving. They will know that we are gone by now. It won't take very long for them to come after us. What am I saying…?" Obi gazed into her sweet face. "You don't even understand what I'm saying." He finally pulled over his baby strap made from his scarf and wrapped her inside it." If the legends are true… you might be the kingdom's last hope." He looked down at her again. "You look awfully weak to be a hero."

Miko raised her hand and swatted him, then reached for his nose again.

~Shirayuki felt the burns on her face and shoulders intensely. The cuts were burning even more so. She cried out in agony as she couldn't hear any resistance being fought. She tried to keep her hands away from the tarry substance and the black rain formed on her hands causing them to stick to her dress, but when it seeped through, her hands were welded to her knees.

The rain stopped, but the burning and the pain didn't subside.

Kiki stood in front of Shirayuki. "That was too easy."

"Kiki? What are you- What have you done to Zen?!" Shirayuki panicked.

"Zen shattered like stone." Kiki mused at her former friend's pain. "But you, I will take my time with. Where is that sweet little doll? Why don't we have her come join us?"

Shirayuki spat at Kiki.

Kiki backhanded her.

Shirayuki landed on her side with immense force.

"Where is she?"

"I will never tell you anything!" Shirayuki rose to a sitting position.

Kiki grabbed Shirayuki by the neck and the skin of Shirayuki's legs ripped clean off and Shirayuki screamed in pain as she was lifted into the air. Shirayuki's face turned pale and her strength failed her. The tears of agony drained from her eyes. "I said: where is Miko?!" Kiki's eyes were dark and soulless.

Shirayuki just gave her a confident smile. "You lose." Shirayuki then gave out her last breath.

Kiki looked down at the puddle of blood that had formed and grunted in frustration. She obviously didn't expect her to die that easily.

Kiki turned to the castle. "This is finished. Your daughter will be next, Prince Zen. Count on it." She formed a portal, walked through it and the chaos around the castle ceased at that very moment.

Shirayuki cried. "How can she be so evil?"

"That is the strength of the darkness over will. It doesn't matter who she was, the darkness takes its victims farther than they would ever want. Their hearts become black as night. She doesn't control its power, it controls her."

"How do we stop it?"

"To put it simply, she must die."

"There has to be another way!" Shirayuki stood up abruptly.

"It's not possible. I know how you must feel. I wish there was another way. But there isn't."

Shirayuki didn't accept that answer and started looking through all the other books. She found a book that she pulled from the shelf that might be conclusive. She opened the book and then watched the magic play out in front of her. But as she watched it's contents, she realized that it didn't help.

"Alright, don't hurt yourself." Swethyna started to study her own books.

Shirayuki sat down now that she was satisfied with Swethyna's effort, being put out there.

"Who has come to this world from yours?" Swethyna asked.

"There is seven of us."

"That's a lot. Prince Zen?"

Shirayuki nodded.

"Princess Miko… is she still alive?" Swethyna studied Shirayuki's expression. "You're daughter?"

"Yes…"

"But she isn't on our side, I take it."

"The darkness you speak of, has consumed her. If what you say is true, then you are condemning her to death."

Swethyna panicked. "She is the product of true love. That means there is hope."

Shirayuki's eyes lit up. "There is?!" She stood up in urgency.

Swethyna's expression wasn't very reassuring. "She has light magic within her. That will conflict with the dark magic. In a sense, she is at war with herself."

"Then…"

"The spell still has to be broken and no one knows how. There aren't any books that cover it. Perhaps a solution was never discovered."

"Then how do they know it can be done?"

"I can only tell you what is in these books." Swethyna turned away from her.

Shirayuki continued to itch her arms and the rawness didn't help. "Are there any herbs that grow here?"

"I wouldn't trust anything that grows here. You will find that they do more harm than good."

"Why can't we leave this island?" Shirayuki finally asked.

"There is a spell that makes you return to the island after you float through the fog. There is no way out. Believe me, I've tried."

Shirayuki shrunk in her spot, with her eyes as wide as they can get. "I have to find Amari." She started to cry.

"Who is Amari?"

"My son. He is just an infant."

Suddenly, Swethyna's eyes went wide. She rushed towards the books on the shelf and scanned through them. She finally found that the book was missing.

"What is the matter?"

"I don't think there is anything you should worry about." Swethyna dodged.

"Swethyna? Does Kiki have plans for Amari?" Shirayuki stood up and approached her.

"I can't say for certain. Queen Kiki is meticulous that way."

"You know something?"

"Look… Amari is born with light magic too. I am sure that I was just overreacting." Swethyna did her best to smile convincingly.

Shirayuki cringed at the sound of howling and roars. Creatures gnawing at each other, from outside the cave.

Swethyna rushed to the door and jammed the latch hard, just before a monster rammed against it. "We need to wait this out."