Mother and daughter worked together to reach the castle. Both were terribly wounded, but with the support of the other, they eventually made it to their destination. The castle sported large holes in various locations. At the very least they were thankful it wasn't on fire or reduced to rubble. The two guards helping outside stopped when they saw them enter the front gate. They rushed over to offer assistance. Jade recognized them as one of the two top soldiers, Oliver and Harris. The soldiers helped them inside where they took a seat on the floor so that they could rest. Aurora and Phillip arrived, the king a bit beaten up but the queen without a scratch. Phillip wanted an update from his soldiers but Aurora knelt beside Maleficent and Jade. She took each of their hands in her own, tears in her eyes.

"None of us saw the attack coming. We barely had any time to defend. Philip hid me and went to fight. One of the servants said they saw you go to Victoria's room so I knew she would be with you," Aurora began.

"I'm sorry your majesty. I couldn't stop them from taking Victoria," Jade muttered, unable to meet the queen's eyes. Aurora shook her head.

"You tried. That's all that matters," the queen replied with certainty, squeezing her hand. She exchanged a look with Maleficent then stood to call for whoever wasn't busy tending to casualties. The youngest servant, Valentine, and the slightly older maid, Vega, were stopped to help them. They were taken to a room where they were both cleaned up and then laid down to rest. Their magic would heal their injuries. Jade refused sleep, listening as everyone in the castle bustled around. Doctors were sent for and their room started to fill up as more of the injured were brought in. Shapiro, a well-known and compassionate doctor, scurried around making sure everyone had been checked. He briefly stopped by their beds, scolding Jade for not getting rest, but she ignored him. How could she sleep at a time like this? He huffed out an irritated exhale and moved on.

"Jade. Sleep," her mother ordered from the bed next to hers. She groaned.

"I can't," she responded.

"Try," Maleficent demanded. She hadn't opened her eyes or even moved since laying down, unlike Jade who fidgeted every once in a while. She forced herself to relax, but only after all the noise around them died down was she able to start dozing off. She was seconds from sleep when a loud caw grated at her ears.

"Father!" she complained, throwing up her arms and letting them fall to her sides, agitated. Diaval swooped in and perched on her mother's bed. Maleficent was now awake, smiling softly at the obviously restless bird. She returned him to his human form and he was quick to embrace them.

"I was so worried. I knew something was happening the minute I saw that you were gone. I was looking everywhere for you," he said to Maleficent, words rushed. He stood between their beds, worry on his face.

"We're fine, Diaval. Our injuries are almost nonexistent now. We'll return home in the morning," Maleficent informed him. He nodded then left to grab a chair and place it between them. He fell into it with a relieved sigh and tilted his head back. His dark eyes were hidden by pale lids and then he was asleep.

"He worries too much," Jade grumbled, staring at the ceiling.

"He cares," her mother responded. Jade only hummed her agreement and let her eyes close. It seemed a bit more comforting to have both her parents nearby so it was easier to find sleep this time. As long as she didn't think about what could be happening to the princess at that very moment, she was able to get the rest she needed. The morning sun along with the shuffling movements of the servants and Shapiro treating those in the room woke Jade early the next morning. She immediately noticed her mother and father's disappearance and sat up. After a long stretch she felt more awake. Her body was healed for the most part, leaving her ravenous. She slipped out of bed and left the room. She was offered food which she accepted and ate on the way. She was in too much of a hurry to sit still. She wandered the halls, heading for the conference room. As soon as she entered all eyes were on her.

"Jade, you're up. Let's head home. We have some things to discuss," Maleficent spoke up, voice even and stern as it always was. Jade nodded and bowed to the king and queen. They nodded their acknowledgment in return. She left with her mother and father, the flight home silent. When they touched down in the Moors it wasn't by their tree on the cliff. Instead it was down by the lake. Diaval landed on Maleficent's outstretched hand and she petted him. He cawed happily and then took off. She had told him that she needed time alone to talk with Jade and he was going to honor it. As soon as he was gone she directed Jade to a mossy log. Jade sat down, even though she would rather pace. Her mother sat next to her.

"We've wasted enough time. I have to go after Victoria before it's too late," Jade urged, wings held tense and fingers gripping at the log she sat on.

"Are you feeling better?" Maleficent asked, ignoring her daughter's brash eagerness to fight, brushing at her cheek. Jade sighed her exasperation but nodded.

"I'm fine," she confirmed, her impatience growing.

"Very well," Maleficent relented.

"What were you speaking about with Aurora and Phillip?" Jade questioned.

"How long it would take to repair the damages to the castle. I offered some of our people to help. We also spoke of how we were going to get Victoria out of enemy hands before launching an attack of our own. They were equipped with iron, which means they expected us. They knew our weakness and our ties with the king and queen. It's unsettling," she answered. Jade fell silent and Maleficent could see her hard at work thinking. She studied her and thought back to a time when she had been the same age, young and foolish. She had received what she believed to be true love's kiss only to lose Stefan to the greed of the human world. And here was her daughter, a few years older, but just as involved in the human world. Granted, in a more positive way than she had been. As much as she wanted Jade to be happy, as much as she deserved it, Maleficent also didn't want her to fall victim to the same thing that happened to her. She feared it, however unlikely it was to happen to Jade. She knew the princess was just as kind and loving as Aurora, impossible to hate and all too easy to love. Jade would not encounter the same problem as her mother, but she could still be left heartbroken should something happen to Victoria.

"Jade," she began.

"Yes?" Jade replied, looking to her mother.

"Do you care for Victoria?" Maleficent inquired, appraising her.

"Very much," her daughter responded.

"Do you love her? Truly love her?" Maleficent asked next. Jade hesitated, eyes leaving her mother's to look out across the sparkling calm water.

"I…" she mumbled, leaving the sentence hanging.

"Because if you do, I want you to understand that true love is the most powerful force in the world. It can mend the most broken of hearts or break the strongest of them," her mother explained. Jade listened silently with nothing to input so Maleficent continued.

"I understand how you must be feeling right now. Before you, I never felt fear until I was racing to the castle in an effort to stop the curse I placed on Aurora from being carried out. I also never felt such depth of love as I had when I broke the curse. Not until you were born and I held you for the first time did I feel it again," she recounted, smiling warmly at her daughter. Jade met her gentle gaze.

"Remember that when you're off playing savior," her mother told her, playful yet serious with a hint of concern and worry. It was then when Jade knew that she was being given permission to find Victoria, and although it pained Maleficent to do it, she couldn't very well tell her no. It wouldn't be right to take her place all to keep her safe when she knew that Jade wanted to be the one to go. Jade smiled at her mother and hugged her tight.

"I'll be careful. You don't have to worry. I'll find Victoria and return here as fast as I can. I promise," Jade whispered, pulling back. Maleficent nodded, kissed Jade on the forehead, and then stood.

"Be on your way before Diaval returns. He won't let you leave without pestering you," she said, scanning the skies briefly for the raven. Jade chuckled but nodded and unfolded her wings. With a running leap she took to the sky, quick to soar out into the wide fields between the Moors and the castle. She only stopped to take note of the direction she remembered the enemy forces had gone before speeding off again. She remained high in the sky, eyes ahead for any clues as to their passing. A figure in the grass caught her attention and she spiraled down to land next to it. It seemed that one of them had succumbed to his injuries. Jade looked to the gash in the side of the body, crouching down to get a better look. She wasn't sure if she was seeing correctly, but it looked as if the flesh was…green. She carefully reached out and pulled off the helmet, instantly dropping it and stepping back when she saw what lied underneath.

"What is that thing?" she wondered to herself, for it was not human. It was something she had never seen before, some kind of creature crossed with a human. Was this what all their warriors looked like underneath their armor? She stared a moment longer before stepping away and launching into the air again. At least she was on the right track. Unfortunately, a familiar cawing came to her on the wind. She cursed under her breath for taking so long studying the hideous thing. It seemed that Diaval had caught up to her. She wouldn't be able to converse with him in his current form so she would have to deal with him beating her over the head with his wings while he squawked at her for who knew how long. But then she remembered the ability she recently discovered. She wished herself to be a raven, and in seconds, she was. This time with minor pain. She effortlessly caught the wind and turned back around, narrowly missing her father who was flying toward her as fast as he could. He dived out of the way and then came back up to follow her. She perched on the branch of a tree and waited for him to join her.

"I need you, Diaval. I can't do this without you, Dival. Just once I would like to hear that. You're just as ready to run off without help."

His mutterings made her want to roll her eyes.

"I can hear you."

"I know. I was hoping you could. What are you doing? Does Maleficent know you left?"

"Yes. She was the one to give me permission."

Diaval squawked and his wings flapped. She ducked them and screeched her distaste.

"I have to get Victoria back. I can't let anything happen to her."

"But…You…Alright. I see."

"You do?"

Jade tilted her head questioningly.

"Your mother and I knew you grew to love her."

If Jade could blush she would. As it was, her feathers ruffled and she looked away.

"Was everyone but me aware?"

"Sometimes it isn't noticeable right away."

Jade let out a sad sound and shifted on the branch.

"Victoria had been trying to tell me…she felt the same."

Diaval scooted closer and nudged Jade.

"Are you certain?"

"Yes."

He nodded and then leaned away.

"Well, then you should get going."

"Yes, I should."

Jade prepared to take off, but she was halted.

"Hold on one moment."

"Yes, father?"

"You can change form."

"It seems so."

"When did you find this out?"

"Only yesterday."

Diaval studied her, pondering.

"Maleficent and I have spent all morning waiting for you to wake, trying to come up with an answer to how that warrior in red could shape shift. He would need magic for that, and Maleficent said she did not sense him to be a magical creature of any sort. Therefore he must have had an object that gave him the power."

Jade became highly interested, wondering where he was going with his reasoning.

"So what did you come up with?"

"The Verdigris Flame."

"The what?"

"It's a stone or a gem-uh, no, not really. It's more of a symbiotic flame with magic so strong it is almost sentient. It's contained in a way to harness it without the unstable side effects."

Jade made an impatient sound and puffed up her feathers. She didn't have time for this.

"So what does it do?"

"Maleficent told me she thought it was sealed away. It was too dangerous for anyone to wield, magical kin or not. Free from its containment it can enter and live within a host. It gives the user great power, but at the cost of losing their mind to its influence. Rage and a thirst for power usually follow, hurting loved ones and causing chaos. Your grandfather knew of it personally."

"Grandfather wielded it?"

"Yes. Luckily he was aware of what it was doing to him and concealed it, but not before it left a lasting mark on him. A bit of it survived within him, advancing his natural magic. It was then passed on to Maleficent."

Jade only stared at him, shocked.

"It's the reason her temper can get the best of her in stressful situations. In her fury for revenge against Stefan for wronging her she cursed Aurora. She made up for it, but she still feels guilty for letting it get the best of her. Of course, since she doesn't have the whole force of it she can control it better."

"Then, does that mean I have it too?"

He made a sound of concern and looked her over before answering.

"Your mother and I came to a conclusion about that when you were young. She worried when your natural magic took time to form and wondered if something was wrong. Not even the Flame's green touch showed up in you. But now I think I know what happened."

"What? What do you think happened?"

"You can change form at will, unlike me. I need to be influenced into doing so. Back when we met, Maleficent used the unnatural magic to swap me through many different creatures to help her fight when she didn't have her wings. The magic imprinted on me, so that by the time we had you, you were touched by it in a different way. A more passive manner. You seem to have taken my ability and made it your own with its help."

Jade couldn't believe what she was hearing, but at the same time, it made sense.

"In the end we decided that there wasn't anything to worry about concerning your natural magic. It's just as golden as any other fairy, it's just a bit more suppressed. Maybe now that the Flame's magic found a way out it won't hold back your natural magic anymore."

Jade made a sound equivalent to a sigh. It was a lot of information and theorizing to take in all at once. Especially at a time like this.

"Then maybe, if he's using the Verdigris Flame, I have a shot at beating him."

"Don't fight him, Jade. Get Victoria and get out, do you hear me?"

He puffed up and started flapping his wings when he didn't get an immediate answer so she jumped away with a caw of her own.

"Yes! Ok, I won't fight him!"

Diaval nodded, mollified.

"I've kept you long enough. I'll head home now. Be careful."

"I will."

Jade watched as he pushed off the branch and soared away over the trees. With a single thought she returned to her own form, sitting down on the branch. She took a breath and closed her eyes. The danger she was sure to run into very soon made her anxious, but she could do it. She could do anything if it meant keeping Victoria safe. Her eyes opened and flashed green, her determination rising. She stood and jumped from the branch, her wide-reaching wings unfolding to take her high into the air. They were just as strong as her mother's and never faltered so she wasn't afraid to push herself. She dived down low, her keen gaze searching for clues once more. Time seemed to be racing by and it unnerved her. She followed the occasional path of destruction left behind. Broken trees, dead bodies, small cottages or structures reduced to rubble and debris. Even scorch marks of fire scarred the land. Soon, Jade didn't even need to follow the trail of ruin because she was sure the tall and pointed castle looming over her on the cliff ahead was exactly where she needed to go. She landed in the trees and worked on getting something to eat first.

She also stopped by the nearby stream, taking the time to focus. There would no doubt be a dungeon or cell where they were keeping Victoria. If not, she would have to do some careful searching. It wouldn't do to tear through the castle, not when she wasn't the only one who was able to take the form of a mighty beast. She had to tread lightly but quickly. When she was sure she had her energy back and was rested enough she flew as close as she dared before continuing on foot. She skirted the guards roaming the grounds outside and swiftly found a door at the side once she jumped the murky moat. She entered, conjuring a golden orb of magic in her palm to give her some light. She lit a torch when she found one a moment later and held it high. She followed the narrow passage into another door and down a set of steps. She felt a bit too lucky when she realized that she found the dungeons. A flicker of something in her peripheral made her turn to her right. She gasped when she saw Victoria sprawled out on the cold stone floor of a cell.

She ran to her, heart in her throat at seeing her ragged condition. She set the torch in a bracket near the cell then reached out, ready to bend away the bars if she had to. She cried out and jumped back when the bars burnt her hands. Iron. She retreated with her hands clenched and looked around. A fallen beam caught her attention and she hastily scooped it up. She stuck it between the bars and used it as leverage to force the hinges. Once she had it open she slipped in, but as soon as her foot touched the floor next to Victoria, she flickered and disappeared as if she was a specter. It was a trap. The second Jade realized it the floor gave out under her. She spread her wings but a heavy net of iron chains fell over her from above. She screamed and flailed, but it was futile. She hit the hard unforgiving floor seconds later. Instantly, she was forcing herself to her feet, her jaw wired shut in agony. Her blurry vision showed her another level full of cells. It was a deeper part of the dungeon. She screamed and tried to throw off the net holding her down but her burning skin made it unbearable. She fell to her hands and knees, breaths heavy.

"I knew you would come for her. I just had to wait," a deep voice stated. Jade peered through the links to see the warrior in red. He slowly circled her, like a predator ready to pounce. She tried once more to get free but it was no use. Her strength was failing her. Contact with the iron made it too hard to move, too hard to focus.

"I'll…kill you…if you hurt her," she panted, her body slumping closer to the ground. Her wings were limp against her back, useless. He laughed mockingly and crouched down.

"It doesn't look like you'll be doing much of anything," he responded. Jade growled low and gathered as much strength as she could. Her steely glare churned with a green hue, but before she could shift into something bigger, a dagger was drawn and the point dug into her neck.

"Try anything and this blade will end you," he warned. The threat was enough to subdue her. An unseen smirk of satisfaction twisted his features behind his helmet as he watched her fall to the ground, unconscious. He sheathed the dagger and stood to kick her just to make sure she was out before signaling to two others. They walked over to remove the heavy net then hauled Jade off the floor between them.

"Take her to the special room we set up just for her. Let me know when she wakes up," he ordered. They nodded and dragged her away. Jade gained consciousness once in a while, but it was spotty. She saw a dim hallway, many enemies, questionable meat laid out to eat, and finally passed out for good when they were chaining her in a cold and drafty room. She didn't know how long she had been unconscious, but the sound of crying drew her back into reality. With a groan she pushed herself up but fell back to the ground when the length of the chains holding her prisoner was too short to fully stand. She shifted uncomfortably and realized that her wings had been bound. She sat with her legs tucked under her, a hand pressed to the floor to keep her up. Her head was still spinning and her vision was taking some time to clear. She pushed her hair back and glanced around her surroundings. Odd tools and weapons were shelved on the walls. The floor was stained red, heavier where she sat than anywhere else. The implications of where she was didn't matter to her when her eyes landed on Victoria who was chained by the ankle on the other side of the spacious room. Jade was more than sure that it was her this time.

"Victoria," she rasped, voice weak. The princess looked up with a worn smile. She was happy to see Jade but sad at the same time. Being here meant that she would be dead soon, just as the warrior in red had promised her. And she would have to watch it all.

"Jade," she responded through her tears.

"Don't cry. I'll get us out of here and get you home," the young fairy promised, yearning to touch Victoria. She was so close yet so far. The princess shook her head.

"We can't get out of here," she mumbled. Jade refused to believe it. The sight of Victoria's beaten countenance was enough to get her determination going again. She crawled backward to give herself slack then used the wall to push herself onto her feet. She staggered only once before standing up straight. Unlike the princess, the chains on her were thicker, heavier. They were shackled to both her ankles and her wrists. A fifth one lay on the floor that looked to be for her neck. She yanked at the chains, whimpering when the small spikes along the inside cut into her. But she tried again, yanking and pulling until rivulets of blood ran down her pale skin.

"Jade, stop it!" Victoria yelled at her, scrambling to her feet. With one last tug Jade fell to the floor, exhausted and in pain again.

"We can't give up. We can't," she whispered under her breath. In the still room Victoria could hear her clearly. She wanted to offer comfort, but there was no way to. She was also rapidly losing hope yet she didn't let Jade know that. So she did the next best thing. She sat back down and scooted forward. Jade had already pulled her restraints taut and could go no further. Victoria stretched out as much as she could, reaching out for Jade to take her hand. With some effort she managed to grip Victoria's hand in hers, but barely.

"If we don't get out of here-" she began, but Jade cut her off.

"Don't talk like that," she snapped. The princess waited for her to finish before trying again.

"If we don't get out of here, I just want to tell you that I love you. Not just as a best friend, but more," Victoria confessed, tears in her eyes. Jade closed her own against the tears threatening to spill. She wouldn't allow it to end this way. She would find a way out. For Victoria.

"I know," she responded, voice strained with remorse. She swallowed, squeezed Victoria's hand once, and then let go. Voices and heavy footsteps were heard before the door opened. Jade scowled at the man standing in the doorway. One of his henchmen stood behind him, a thuggish brute Jade felt that she knew. The giant claw marks across his armor was an instant reminder. The man in red entered and the one behind him followed, shutting the door.

"How I've waited for this," he commented gleefully, approaching her directly. She backed away, cornered. Dread curled in her gut. She had nowhere to go once she was backed against the wall. A strong blow to her stomach almost made her heave. She fell to the ground and was kicked in the side. She hit the wall and stayed down.

"Get up!" the brute demanded, grabbing her and tossing her back. She used the wall to stand on shaking legs but he soon floored her again with a fist to her jaw.

"Stop! Please, stop it!" Victoria pleaded. She went unheard. Jade endured multiple kicks, one after another, until her tormentor had his fun. He left, satisfied, while Jade laid on her side barely breathing. Her ribs felt broken and blood trickled from her mouth. Her once piercing eyes were glazed with pain and she whined when she tried to move. Victoria sobbed, falling to her knees and covering her face with her hands. The man in red stepped forward.

"Torture can come in many ways. Physical," he began, holding a hand out to Jade.

"And mental," he finished, holding a hand out to Victoria.

"Have you thought about my offer?" he inquired of the princess.

"I would rather die than marry you," she spat.

"Your kingdom for the fairy's freedom. How can you refuse?" he responded. Victoria looked at Jade, meeting her eyes. Jade shook her head.

"Don't do it," she breathed out through the pain. She winced, her body trembling. Victoria bit back a sob and stood to face their captor with her head held high.

"I refuse," she stated, firm. She was promptly struck across the face, splitting her lip. She remained standing, defiant. He contemplated hitting her again for her audacity but decided to hurt her far more when he returned to continue the torture. She would have to accept after that.

"I'll let you heal now fairy spawn. Tomorrow I get to play," he said, leaving soon after. Jade closed her eyes, numb. She could already feel the trace amounts of magic trying to heal her. By tomorrow she wouldn't even be fully healed before she would have to endure more. The thought alone made her want to retch. Instead, she opened her eyes and looked to Victoria, her vision hazy. With tremendous effort, she dragged herself forward. She held out a hand and Victoria rushed to return the gesture. Jade's grip was weak so Victoria held on with enough strength for the both of them.

"I'll…get you…out…of here," Jade managed to choke out, swallowing hard before falling unconscious. Victoria squeezed her hand and let the building tears fall. It looked like she would have to cry enough for both of them too.