Maleficent & Diaval (Maleval) - I'm Alive

by RavenDiablo

A Drama Romance, the story parallels the movie and it's events. Taken mostly from Diaval's point of view, it shows how Maleficent and Diaval's initial master/servant relationship evolves into a friendship and finally a steamy romantic relationship. Cover image provided by the lovely and talented Akadio from DeviantART. Enjoy and please review!

19. Chapter 19: Going Home

Maleficent & Diaval

I'm Alive

by Raven Diablo

Chapter 19: Going Home

It was in the middle of the night when everyone headed back to the ship. The longboat was overloaded and the water was less than 6 inches from the edge of the boat's rail. All were nestled up close together since it was cold out. For the most part everyone seemed to take to Medusa with the exception of the boat pilot, and the other fellow that came with Sir Joseph. They stayed together in the back as far away from Medusa as possible. As Maleficent figured, Sir Joseph and Medusa hit it off very well and the two where huddled up very close as Sir Joseph did his best to keep her warm.

When they reached the ship, they found getting on board was a bit more difficult than anticipated. Captain James suddenly became difficult and uptight because very little information was given to him about particulars of their trip, he was only told to take them to the point where they were so Maleficent could see someone that could help her and Robin. He was to wait there for the night up until the next morning for everyone to return. What Captain James didn't know was that they were paying a visit to Medusa. Maleficent's choice to bring her to Malora proved to be difficult as he didn't want her on board. Like with his brother Prince Philip, he was very well versed with Medusa's written tale. But unlike his brother, he was wary about it.

Captain James' reason for not wanting her aboard was that her presence would cause 'an undue unsettledness with the men as many aboard were superstitious. If word got out that Medusa herself was on board, it could create problems amongst the men and he would feel too responsible for bringing such a dangerous creature on board'. Despite the changes that Maleficent made to Medusa's appearance and even he admitted himself that she had a charming face, he still was against her coming aboard. The words 'dangerous creature' really hurt Medusa and she was becoming upset and clenched her fists in anger. Sir Joseph tried to calm her down by holding her very close to him. Captain James noticed the seething look in her narrowed eyes.

"See! What if she becomes angry and then decides to turn on of my men to stone, huh?" he said.

Maleficent then spoke up and said in a stern and impatient voice, "Captain James, Sir. May I remind you that faerie's do maintain excellent control over themselves. All things considered, I too, could be looked at as a 'dangerous creature' as when provoked, I can become far more dangerous than anyone here. Why is it then that you accept me, but not her?"

Captain James' face softened and it looked like he was ready to change his mind. But he shook his head and said, "I am sorry, she still can't come aboard. She has a past attached to her. Besides we are running low on provisions being an extra day out."

"I was told you were out an extra day," Medusa said. "So I brought some food with me."

"Captain, you see she comes in earnest, and her character is good," Maleficent implored. "I was with her the whole night and can vouch for that."

"I am sorry, but it is too much of a risk."

"Fine," Maleficent said now becoming angry herself, "You will have plenty provisions on board since myself and Diaval are not coming aboard either."

Captain James had a stunned look on his face. "Madame Maleficent, why? You and your men are still welcome aboard. In fact I insist that you come back with us as it will become cold tonight."

"Maybe I shouldn't come," Medusa said to Maleficent having calmed down a bit, "I see I am already causing trouble and I promised you I wouldn't be a bother."

"No!" Sir Joseph shouted, "I want you to come. In the short time together I find I am developing feelings for you and I want to spend more time with you and get to know you better."

"Awwww, Joe, you are too kind." Medusa said cuddling up closer to Sir Joseph.

"You...You two have feelings for each other?" Captain James said with a shocked look on his face.

"Yes, I only know her a short while, but I finding I am growing very fond of her."

Captain James swallowed hard as he found himself fighting his own feelings. But he was being stubborn and stood by his word.

Maleficent looked to Diaval and whispered softly so Captain James wouldn't hear, "Do you think you could take Medusa back? With only her on your back, you will be able to fly longer."

"I still would have to take breaks not only to rest, but Medusa needs to stay warm. But my main concern is is what will be the reaction in Ulstead when I arrive without you to change me. Certainly they are not expecting a dragon to arrive carrying Medusa. They might think they are under attack and try to shoot us out of the sky!"

"Damn! You're right." Maleficent said, she had felt there was no choice but to prepare Diaval for flight.

Maleficent looked back to Captain James and bellowed out with her strong voice, "Well, Medusa is my friend and she wishes to return to Malora with us. If she is not allowed on the ship, then as I said before, Diaval and I are not coming aboard either."

"How will you get back then?"

"Diaval, it's show time!"

Diaval nodded in acknowledgement.

With that she waved her hand and Diaval turned into a bird. Captain James jumped back a bit as Diaval changed into a raven, flew passed his face and out to the open water. Then Maleficent changed him into a dragon.

Captain James' jaw dropped as where was once a bird was now a huge dragon flying over the river. Diaval found himself a clearing near the ship and landed there.

Medusa was in awe as well, her mouth wide open. "Wow! Diaval is so beautiful, he so much more handsome as a dragon than you explained in your story. He looks so amazing!" Medusa paused and then asked, "Wait, are we going to fly back?"

"Certainly," Maleficent answered matter of factly.

Medusa practically couldn't contain her self as she beamed a bright smile and shook her fists together. exclaiming excitedly. "Oh wow! Flying sure sounds like even more fun than sailing."

Captain James just stood stunned and suddenly became frightened, "My! You weren't kidding about your power."

Maleficent could see that Captain James was becoming unglued and he started to fidget with his hand and held his legs tightly together.

"Well I guess it is settled then," she said in a stern voice. "Just be prepared to do some heavy explaining to your father as to why we didn't arrive on the ship."

Captain James stood for a few moments stunned but then blurted out, "If you will pardon me, I have certain matters to attend to, my boatman will take you to Diaval."

Captain James then walked off at a brisk pace as if he was holding an imaginary tail between his legs.

Sir Joseph said, "What do you make of that, do you think he had to...go?"

Maleficent let out a heavy laugh and said with a huge smile on her face, "Probably. You should know that by now."

Sir Joseph burst out laughing too and Medusa had a puzzled look on her face as she said, "Did I miss something?"

Sir Joseph rested his hand on her shoulder and said, "I will fill you in later, my dear Madame."

The boat pilot dropped Medusa and Maleficent off to where Diaval was sitting. As they landed on the shore, she changed him back to a man. Sir Joseph said he wanted to come along as well, but she said it would be impossible for Diaval to carry three people back. He hung his head down low but then smiled as he looked to Medusa and bid her a temporary farewell. The two gave each other a long hug and she then slithered off the long boat and stood by Maleficent's side.

Maleficent asked Robin to help in putting together a new harness for Diaval, but instructed the boatman to inform the caption that he would return on the ship.

"For some reason, I just feel there should be a faerie on board," Maleficent said, as she looked towards the ship.

"Yes, M'lady," Robin said.

She then turned to Medusa and saw she her eyes well up. She said, "I am sorry Medusa, but as I said earlier, not all humans will be open to accepting us faeries. The thing I don't understand is that for some reason, Prince James had accepted me, but not you. But it is his ship and I tried my best to change his mind. But I can tell you I will say something to his father about this."

"I don't know why, I tried to act as much as a proper lady and be as regal and friendly as I could."

"That isn't it, Medusa. It has nothing to do with your behavior," Maleficent said, "You presented yourself fine as a lady. It is like you keep saying about those books, Prince Philip knew about the stories and it seems his brother does too. They are believing the stories rather than taking the proper time to get to know you. But, that is the way with some of the humans that they are so closed minded to anything or anyone that is...different."

"But Sir Joseph has been so kind to me this whole evening and when he first looked at me his face was filled with joy. He is human."

Diaval said, "That is because Sir Joseph is the opposite of Captain James, he is very open minded. He even admitted to me that he wanted to find love in a faerie. On top of that, he loves snakes, a creature most humans, and even birds, are scared of. He has many snake related items in his room back at Malora Castle."

"Oh Yes! He told me and he even told me he has a pet python by the name of Bernie."

"Yes, that he does," Diaval said laughing a bit. "The size of that snake's head is unnerving."

"There are many humans like Sir Joseph, but you are still going to find those that are closed minded," Maleficent added, "They even have problems dealing with their own kind and settle things though barbaric fighting and wars. Honestly I don't fully understand their reasoning at times. So much greed, envy, and jealousy. They fear what they don't understand and their fear turns to hate and they attempt to do away with what causes the fear and hate even if it means turning on each other. It is even harder for those that share this world with them that are not human. The fear was already in place with those of the likes of us, in your case, more so because of the stories and tales that you have grown to despise so much."

After Maleficent was finished talking with Medusa, Diaval then expressed his concern about flying with two people on his back for a length of time, "My love, I don't think I will be able to fly a long time with the both of you on my back."

"Diaval, when flying I am going to try to exercise my wings on the way back. It is something I have to do anyway. I am hoping that I might be able to at least attempt use the air pressure to lift some of my weight off of you. Then you will only have Medusa's weight on your back. That should make things easier for you."

"Even so, I might be able to travel two hours, tops, before needing a rest."

"Sir Joseph figured that following the sea back to Ulstead, we should make it back in about a day flying, but naturally he is unsure of your speed." Maleficent said, but then her voice softened and she continued, "Diaval, I know I am again asking much of you and I know you are going to be exhausted from this trip."

"I understand, I will try my best."

"I know you will," Maleficent said smiling at Diaval. She then turned to Medusa and said, "It looks like we will be needing those provisions of yours. Even in human form, Diaval will be eating quite a bit on the way back."

Medusa nodded in acknowledgement patting the case she brought with her.

Because they were in the woods and the leaves were off of the trees, it was easy for Robin to scrounge up wood for a new harness for Diaval. Diaval assisted help gather up the wood Robin needed and that sped things up considerably. Given his size he could easily pick up needed branches using his mouth. Since there was snow on the ground, Maleficent put some into the box with the provisions too keep it cool and fresh on the trip.

When the harness was nearly finished, Maleficent and Robin placed it on his back for a test fitting. Medusa stood in wonder and thought back to Maleficent's story and how she rubbed the front edge of Diaval's wings. She found herself doing the same thing.

"Oh my, Maleficent, he is such a beautiful dragon! I love his wings...feathered wings on a dragon."

"Yes, he is indeed magnificent. He is bold and very strong when he is the dragon. He saved my life in this form already and he also gave me the best gift ever as a dragon."

"I know. You told me how he made you fly again."

"And now he is going to honor you with that favor too."

"Oh, I am so excited! I can't wait to fly!" Medusa shouted. But then she started to rub her arms, "It is sure cold out, even with this coat on I am starting to get really cold!"

Maleficent instructed Diaval to create a fire for Medusa to warm up by. He gathered some of the extra wood that was used to build the harness in his mouth and made a nice pile in the center of the area. He then belched up a small fireball to set the wood ablaze. Diaval then curled himself around the fire, Maleficent then lead herself and Medusa between the fire and Diaval's belly. Robin continued to finish up on the harness.

"He's warm blooded as a dragon, his side is very warm," Maleficent said as the two sat down with their backs against Diaval's belly.

Medusa touched his side in amazement. After a bit Diaval moved his wing over to cover the two up.

Medusa was very touched by his action.

"Oh My! Thank you, Diaval, you are so sweet!"

Maleficent also thanked him and smiled. Diaval smiled as he put his head down.

Medusa yawned loudly and then quickly put her hand over her mouth, "Oh Excuse me, I am just a bit tired."

Diaval then yawned as well, followed by Maleficent herself. "Oh dear," she said. "I think we should all rest up a bit before leaving.

"I know! Lets all take a hot bath at my place!" Medusa said excitedly.

Maleficent perked up and knowing she hadn't taken a proper bath in a few days, taking a hot bath sure sounded great.

"You're on!" Maleficent said pointing to Medusa. "This time, I am not going to say no to that."

The both laughed and even Diaval grinned. She then instructed Robin to tell Captain James that they would be leaving a bit later after resting up at Medusa's home and that he should leave immediately. Robin nodded his head, and gave everyone a hug and the ladies a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you again, to the both of you, for saving me." Robin said whole heartedly. "Especially you, Medusa. I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for you."

"You're welcome, Robin."

He bid his farewell and started to fly towards the ship. Once he was on board the ship weighed anchor and set sails and was off. Robin sat atop the stern rail and waved back.

They watched for a while as the ship went around a bend and then disappeared. The sky was turning a dark blue in the east as it was getting close to dawn. By that time everyone was warmed up, Maleficent used her staff to put out the fire and her and Medusa climbed on board the harness on Diaval's back.

"Oh, this is so exciting!" Medusa shouted as she curled herself up in a special seat that would hold her in place when she coiled up her tail. An over the shoulder harness would keep her nicely seated in place. Maleficent climbed in her seat in front of Medusa and strapped herself in too.

"Alright Diaval, you can take off when ready."

Diaval snorted and nodded his head and outstretched his wings. Medusa's eyes flew open in wonder and she shook her fists in front of her chest and squealed with delight. Maleficent couldn't help but see the little girl come out in Medusa. Her reaction was similar to Aurora's when she first flew on Diaval's back.

With a couple large pumps of his wings, Diaval lifted off the ground and rose higher into the sky.

"Oh my, oh my, oh my! This is so amazing!" Medusa began to breathe hard.

Maleficent just smiled as she grabbed the reigns and let out a loud, "Ya! Full speed Diaval!"

Diaval lurched forward and pumped his wings hard. Within a minute they were back up the stream they came from and Diaval rose higher until Medusa's lake was in view.

"Oh, wow! I can see my whole island from up here!" Medusa shouted. "There's my villa!"

"Diaval, land in the courtyard, but be careful it will be a tight squeeze." Maleficent shouted.

Maleficent wasn't kidding either. Diaval had to perform a precise landing in the center of the courtyard beating his wings hard as he hovered in place. His wing tips actually were hitting the outer walls as he softly landed and folded his wings up tight against his body.

"Looks like once again, we will be lighting things up here." Medusa said getting herself out of the harness.

They removed the items they were going to take on the trip and the harness from Diaval's back and then Maleficent changed him back into a man via his raven form.

"Diaval, you are so amazing as a dragon! Flying with you back is going to be so great!"

"Why, thank you, Medusa," Diaval said. "It will be my pleasure."

"Oh, and thank you for the kind gesture offering to keep us warm with your wings."

"You're very welcome."

"What did I tell you," Maleficent said smiling. "Always the gentleman."

Medusa nodded.

The sky started to become a lighter shade of blue as dawn was close at hand. The three entered the foyer and Medusa lit the torches. She then led Maleficent and Diaval to the down ramp and lit the torches as they proceeded to go down into the lower level of the villa. As they descended, they could feel warm air coming up from the lower level. It was much warmer down there than it was in the foyer. They proceeded down a long ornate corridor to a set of double doors that appeared to be in the middle of the corridor. She waved her hand and the doors opened. She entered and then lit the torches that were on pillars that surrounded a large rectangular pool. The shorter side faced the door way making the whole room deeper than it was wide. The pillars and walls were adorned with very ornate designs and carvings. Even the ceiling had an ornate pattern carved into it. On one side of the pool there was a stone couch similar to that in the foyer with pillows and a blanket on it. There was also a small table next to it. A few smaller chairs and lounging type chairs were placed along the walls. One chair was close to door way and that one had a table next to it. The room had some nice ornate shelves built into the walls and they contained varies curios and trinkets. In the center of the pool an elaborate stone mobile hung from the ceiling and would move with the heat rising from the pool water. Every so often some of the stones hit and made a very pleasant chiming sound.

"I have two pools like this in the villa. This one is the larger and more ornate of the two. The other one I have not warmed up yet as I didn't think we were going to get a snow storm this early. Also the other side of the house I do not use often in the winter, so I don't bother warming the smaller pool up unless it gets really cold.

"So not only the pools are for bathing but they heat your home?" Maleficent asked.

"Precisely. The pools primary function is for heating. They are made of a stone that holds heat very well. In addition, in the basement are large furnaces that keep the pools warm when it gets cold out. I usually light the furnaces at night in the colder months and the stone maintains the heat through the day. Of course I can heat the stones up myself with my magic too. Between the stones and the water, it makes for a very large heat storage chamber. The side effect is that the pools make for a nice warm bath. Since I do spend quite a bit of time down here, I made this one more ornate and put in some seats in the pool around the edges. So I could pick from different spots to lie down in."

"Oh, that looks so inviting," Maleficent said as she looked around the edges and could make out the various different seats along the edges. Each one was marked by a specific little crux that protruded through the water and allowed ones head to placed much like a pillow. The corners of the pool were different in that they combined a lounge seat with a small ramp to walk into and out of the pool. The middle of the back and front edges of the pool were bare and probably allowed for more of a back to front swimming if one so desired.

Medusa slithered over to one of the ornate shelves which contained towels, blankets, sponges and some small urn presumably containing soap.

"Up there," Medusa pointed towards several small square openings in the ceiling, "The heat gets channeled through those vents and warm up all the rooms in the house. The air movement makes the mobile chime. I find the sound relaxing and I often sleep in here after a nice long bath.

"So, you have created a central heating system?" Diaval asked.

"Yes."

"That is amazing," Maleficent chimed in. "I am curious as to the engineering that goes behind that. Where did you learn to do this?"

"Mainly through father, he was very smart. Naturally though, when he passed I kept all his books and journals and they proved to be valuable in creating things within the villa. While I don't consider myself to be very smart I knew I needed a way to keep myself warm. So I came up with this."

"It is still no small feat," Maleficent said, "I am very impressed. Your entire home is magnificent."

"Thank you. Well, I don't know about you, but I can't wait to jump in."

"Oh, believe me, I can't wait to get in myself. I am in such a need of a good bath."

"Well, then I believe you will enjoy this very much," Medusa said, she stopped, turned around with the towels in hand and continued. "Uhhh, how should we handle this?"

"Meaning?" Diaval asked.

"The bathing arrangement. Do you want to bathe by yourself and I bathe with Maleficent, or would you prefer to bathe with her and I bathe alone."

"Diaval, you can go first," Maleficent said. "I will bathe with Medusa while you get some sleep."

Diaval hung is head down a bit low as he wanted to be with with Maleficent and bathe with her. But he thought to himself perhaps the two wanted to have a nice 'woman' chat with each other.

"No, it's OK, I can go upstairs and rest first."

"Are you sure?" Medusa asked, "Knowing me I am going to be talking so much with Maleficent that her ears will fall off!"

Everyone burst out laughing at Medusa's remark.

"Well, I guess then I will get a good rest then," Diaval said and then turned to Maleficent, "Just leave a place for me to clean". He slowly made his way for the door hanging his head low.

When he left Medusa said, "Oh, my he seems down and what did he mean by that?"

"Well, Medusa, when we get a nice opportunity to bathe, we usually do so together. We wash each other."

"Oh, my that is so romantic. I so hope Joe will do that with me, the thought of that is so erotic. Let me get Diaval so you both can be together."

"No that is OK," Maleficent insisted, "There will be plenty times when we will bathe together."

"I'll tell you what, I only need to bathe for a short while. I will go up and send Diaval down so he can spend some time with you," Medusa suggested and continued. "I will go and tell him."

"No! Don't do that, he will stay up anxious. I do want him to sleep as he will need his rest."

"Alright."

Medusa wasted no time in getting undressed and stood for a second or two completely naked in front of Maleficent, smiled and then slithered off into the pool diving under the water and then emerging from the other end a mere couple seconds later.

"Oh! Maleficent, be careful went coming in, don't dive in as the water isn't very deep."

"Okay, Thank you," Maleficent shouted back to her. The room reverberated with her voice.

Maleficent wasn't feeling as bold as Medusa and being more self conscious she waved her hand and her outfit transformed into a nice black bikini style swimsuit. It was very simple but revealed most of her body. A thin strap formed a criss cross halter around her neck. The bottom section just barely covered her buttocks and came around to a low v shape to the front. Maleficent knew that this type of swimsuit would probably drive Diaval nuts. But even as it was she still felt very self conscious.

Maleficent grabbed the soap and sponge and approached the edge of the pool and looked around as she started down the ramp. She could see Medusa under water slithering very fast using her tail to propel herself. She then surfaced right in front of Maleficent as she reached the bottom of the ramp. Medusa reacted to Maleficent wearing a swimsuit when she was stark naked.

"A little embarrassed by not coming in without anything on?" Medusa asked.

"I'm sorry, Medusa, I am just not as bold with exposing myself as you are. As you see I usually keep my body covered as much as possible. The only times I am ever fully naked is when I am alone or around Diaval."

"Why? You have nothing to hide, you have an amazing body and that is an amazing outfit."

"Sometimes I just feel very tall and somewhat lanky. I have a very slight build. I don't have nice broad shoulders like you do."

"Oh, no, you look majestic and statuesque. You have a perfect woman's figure. Seeing you, I think my shoulders are too broad, yours are more feminine and lady like. But Joe likes my shoulders a lot. He constantly puts his hands on my shoulders and rubs them."

Maleficent smiled as she said, "Yes, I noticed that with him. Because he is built very strong I think he takes to that in you. Body wise I think you two are a perfect match. My shoulders are not very large and defined as yours are."

Medusa interrupted, "Nonsense, you are well defined. You...you look so much more feminine than I, but still well fit. Come now, don't put yourself down, you are a beautiful woman."

"Thank you, but it is just the way I am. I mean, I do like my own body, but others around me make me out to be like some goddess or something and I don't often agree. I am not perfect."

"Well, you are pretty close to perfect though."

"Thank You again. Well, the main thing is Diaval loves me and goes nuts over my body and that is enough to make me satisfied with the way I look. But I am not one to flaunt it and so I am only fully naked around Diaval or when I am alone."

Maleficent then crouched down in the water raising her wings up and she shook them out.

Medusa just looked her wings in awe and even Maleficent turned to look back.

"These are what I like most on my own body, my wings."

"Rightly so, they are magnificent. I don't have anything like that."

"You are kidding right?" Maleficent looked around to Medusa's back. "You have your tail, you can move faster than any human or even me on land, or in water for that matter."

Medusa laughed and said, "Yeah, I am pretty fast, huh? I guess we both have our special abilities then."

"Yes," Maleficent smiled and then continued, "I have a large open plain in my Moors, I practiced riding with Diaval there as a horse. I am curious if you could even out pace him as a horse."

"Ohhhhhhh, so it is a date for a race then?" Medusa said as she perked up and her snakes came more alive around her head, "You are so on!"

The two laughed as Maleficent made her way over to the lounge seat that jutted out from the side wall. She sat down and started to lather up the sponge with soap and began to clean her arms. Medusa swam over to the edge, grabbed a sponge and then swam to the same seat Maleficent was at and sat herself at the foot of the seat and also started by cleaning her arms.

Maleficent then said, "This is great, the water is so warm and wonderful. Finally getting a good cleaning after that trip. I just felt so...cakey."

Medusa burst out laughing and said, "My, you have such unusual words that make me laugh."

"Well, I mean grimy by saying that. It is just that being around humans, they just have such a colorful way with words that I tend to pick up on what they say. I think it helps me fit in more if I talk the way they do." Maleficent paused and then fell back on the prior subjected and continued. "As for bathing, I can clean myself with magic, but it not as good as doing it by hand, let alone with water as warm as this. This just feels so amazing," Maleficent said as she arched her neck back and rubbed the sponge across her neck and out to her shoulders.

"I don't only come in here to bathe, but also to warm up on really cold days. Sometimes I fall asleep in here lying down on one of the seats. Even though they are made of stone, they are that comfortable."

"Yes, they are. I amazed at how smooth they are. Your stone work is impeccable."

Medusa came over to get a closer look at Maleficent's swim suit.

"You want one like this?"

"Yes! Would I"

With a wave of her hand, Medusa had a similar swimsuit that was a deep green color that went with her skin tone. The top was identical in style to Maleficent's, but the bottom was more like a mini skirt that was a bit asymmetrical and was longer on one side than the other.

"Oh my Maleficent, it is beautiful! Thank you so much! I am so going to drive Joe nuts with this outfit."

"You're welcome, I am sure there will be more where that came from."

"Really?"

"Wait until you get to Malora and see the stuff Aurora and I made by hand."

"Oh, I can't wait! This is all so much happening so fast. It is so overwhelming taking this all in. You coming into my life, you are like a guardian angel I always dreamed about."

Medusa swam over and put her arms around Maleficent and gave her a gentle hug. Maleficent, even though she cringed a bit just ended up putting her arms around Medusa too.

Medusa let out a sigh, but didn't linger and broke the embrace shortly after. Her snakes were getting too friendly with Maleficent nudging her face and neck.

"My are they affectionate," Maleficent said.

"Yes, they can be. I know you don't like to be touched, but for all you have done for me, I just had to. But I didn't linger."

"That was fine."

For a while the two continued to clean themselves off and not much was spoken, but then Medusa had a bit of trouble reaching around to her back.

"Maleficent, if you don't mind, could you sponge down my back, it is just very hard for me to reach."

"Of course."

Medusa turned herself around facing her back to Maleficent. All of the snakes moved forward exposing her back. Maleficent got a good look at Medusa's back and couldn't help to notice that her strong build also was apparent on her back. She had a clear deep line running down the length of her spine and when she used her arms to move back the muscles on her back below her neck bulged out considerably.

"Wow!" Maleficent's reaction was a bit too loud.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing really. Just you really do have broad shoulders and your back is very impressive too."

"So my back looks strong too?"

"Yes"

Medusa smiled as she turned forward and rested her arms at her side. Maleficent sponged down her back. Almost immediately Medusa started to breathe heavy. She would also arch her back and push herself into Maleficent's hand following the sponge. Maleficent couldn't help but notice her movements seemed like she was beyond enjoying the cleaning.

Medusa let out a long sigh and said, "Oh, that feels so good! Do you do this for Diaval?"

"Yes, quite often, he has trouble reaching around to his back too."

"Oh, I am so envious."

Medusa became very relaxed as Maleficent was close to finishing up.

"Alright your back is all done. You can rinse off."

"Already?" Medusa said as she turned around. Maleficent just raised an eyebrow. Medusa then pushed herself off the seat and swam around a bit and returned.

"Do you want me to do your back?"

"Oh, no, that will not be necessary, I can reach my back pretty well, but thank you." Maleficent said as she demonstrated that she could reach around with the sponge. Even thought she could reach, it wasn't comfortable and she realized that perhaps she would let Diaval give her a good cleaning back there, when he came down. She also was very conscious of her 'sweet spot' and didn't want anyone but Diaval touching her there.

"I guess you really don't want anyone going near your wings, huh?"

"Yes, I think I will feel that way for a long time. I only permit Diaval to touch me back there. He just has a special touch that I have grown to trust. It is just...we have bonded over a very long period of time."

Medusa nodded her head and said, "I understand."

The two then sat up on the edge of the pool and cleaned their legs. After they were done Maleficent slunk down into the lounge seat, spread herself out and and draped her wings up and over her head and they lied outside of the edge of the pool's edge. Medusa stretched herself out on the nearby seat by the left corner of the pool. The two seats were close enough together so they didn't have to shout.

Maleficent couldn't help but let out a long long sigh.

"That good, huh?" Medusa asked.

"Oh, this is so relaxing. Medusa, I am going to take you up on your offer of putting a pool like this in the castle."

"Sure, I would be more than happy to do so. We will do things for each other as friends. Could you make me a couple of those nice hand made outfits."

"Oh, absolutely. I think it would be fun making dresses for you. I always enjoy making a new dress for Aurora."

Medusa smiled and said, "Thank You." She then sat and slithered out of the pool and started to dry off. Maleficent raised her head up.

"I am finished, you stay here and I will send Diaval down."

Maleficent lifted her head and replied, "Ok." And she just put her head back down.

After Medusa changed into her clothes, she slithered up the ramp. A few moments later, Diaval came down and started to pull his top off and undo his pants as he looked over he looked over to the pool and could see his lover lying there with her wings outstretched behind her. Her head was just above the water and her eyes were closed.

After he was fully naked he decided to do an impressive cannonball entrance.

SPLASH! Maleficent jumped up as an ensuing wave splashed over her face.

When Diaval came back up he said, ""Wow! This is nice!" He shouted. "Very warm!"

"Diaval!" Maleficent shouted as she sat up with water dripping from her face and said disappointingly, "I was relaxing!"

"Oh! I am sorry, my dear, I didn't think I would make that big of a...wave," Diaval said apologetically with the last word of his sentence he said very slowly as he got a good look of what his lover was wearing.

"Oh really, you think?" She said sarcastically rocking her head a bit from side to side placing her hands on her narrow waist. She looked to the far end of the pool and watched Diaval's wave splash out over the pool's edge and spread out across the floor. She then said in an annoyed tone, "I don't think Medusa will take too kindly of you splashing all the water out of her pool and messing up her floors."

Diaval didn't have much more to say as he was fixated on Maleficent's body. This was the first time he saw her in such a revealing outfit. Nearly naked, but not quite. It certainly looked like something that Aurora would make as it was very sexy looking. He couldn't take his eyes off her mid section. As she spoke he could see that pair of lines he liked so much come and go on her abdomen. The cut on the lower part of her outfit was cut very high up on the thighs. The way she was standing with her hand on her waist didn't help matters either. It was always one of his favorite things she did accenting her arms very well showing the definition in her shoulders and forearms.

"Oh my," was all that came out of his mouth as he sighed.

Maleficent cracked a smile as the annoyed look on her face changed to a more seductive look. She decided to go one step further and outstretch her wings and she leaned over a bit and put her leg up on the lounge chair and pushed her other leg out a bit.

Diaval couldn't help but drop his jaw.

As she extended her wings a green glow appeared around her hands and with one wave across her body, her swimsuit disappeared. She stood with one arm on her waist and one on her knee. Her womanhood widely exposed just a mere inch or two above the water.

"There that feels more comfortable," she said shifting her eyes down to Diaval's manhood anticipating the inevitable.

This was the first time Diaval saw Maleficent completely naked with her wings nearly fully outstretched on her own and she was wet. Her body glistening in the light. He could start to feel an intense tingling sensation which caused his manhood to begin to elongate.

"Oh, My goodness!" he said as he gulped hard. "Beautiful."

"Awww, thank you, mine sweet. You are rather dashing yourself." Maleficent said seductively holding her fingers up on one hand. She brought them close to her face and ran her forefinger on her lips as her eyes eyes shifted downward and began to focus more on Diaval expanding appendage.

Diaval could feel her seductive stare as he could feel himself start to get longer. He took a quick glance down at himself and he was amazed at how fast he was starting to become erect. He ended up slowly crouching down in the pool.

"Oh, why hide yourself? You see I am not hiding myself." Maleficent said, letting her arms hang down her side as she opened her legs even further.

Diaval swallowed hard and let out a small gasp as he wasn't used to the rate at which he could feel himself become erect. He could feel pulses that surged down his penis making it increase in size each time. Looking at Maleficent completely naked made the surges even more intense.

She then sat on the edge of the pool and she swung her legs up and over each other sitting cross-legged and she put an elbow on her knee and rested her chin on her knuckles. She knew her sexy poses were slowly slaying Diaval.

As Diaval inched his way closer to her still crouched in the pool, she raised her eyebrow and said, "I left a few spots for you to clean. Your favorite spots."

Diaval placed his head against her leg and then he gave her a gentle kiss on her knee and said, "Your back?"

"Uh huh." She said as she slid off the edge and moved towards the lounge seat and sat on the edge, leaving enough room for Diaval to sneak behind. Her eyes met Diaval's and she glanced over to the sponge and soap. He went over and got the cleaning items and then slowly slid up behind Maleficent. He kept a bit of distance as he didn't want to rest his now almost fully erect penis against her back. As he started to lather up the sponge, Maleficent grabbed the edge of the seat and inched her way a bit back. She kept going until she could feel the tip of his penis on her the base of her back. It was extremely hard.

Diaval noticed that Maleficent moved back a bit and that he was 'touching' her. He tried to move it out of the way, but in the water it just floated back into place. Before his actions would catch her attention, he just proceeded with cleaning her bare back. As he placed the sponge on her back she outstretched her wings fully exposing most of her back. He couldn't help but be fixed on the muscles in her back as they outstretched her wings. Diaval started to rub the soap onto her back. She arched her back towards him and he found himself get even harder. He knew she have had to felt him up against her.

He slowly moved closer to the area where her stumps once were, but now they continued on and out to her beautiful wings. He now had no qualms about cleaning and rubbing this area as it's beauty has been fully restored. No more feeling bad, no more cringing, no more reminder of the awful deed that was done. He kept running his fingers around and up the base of her wings. He noticed that his lover's upper body began to expand and contract more as she breathed deeper and more frequently. Instinctively he softened his touch.

"Oh Damn! That feels so awesome Diaval, what the heck are you doing back there?"

"Nothing, I am bathing you the same way as I normally do."

"The feeling around the base of my wings, it's heightened some how," Maleficent explained. "But I reached up there earlier and even though it was sensitive, it didn't feel as intense."

"Well, I am trying to be gentle and careful as I know you are still healing."

"It just seems so intense. You just have such a special touch that I love. Oh, you are so turning me on!"

Maleficent closed her eyes and tilted her head up. Diaval saw a look of pleasure on her face and changed his cleaning her back to more of a caressing. As he ran his fingers around the spot where her wings came together on her back. She let out a moan and crept back further on her hands almost resting her head against his. Her breathing became very heavy as she bit her lower lip and closed her eyes hard.

Maleficent leaned back up and reached back and stroke his erect penis. He let out a loud moan almost as if some kind of pent up pressure was released. Immediately he began to breathe hard himself.

He let out a long sigh and finally moved up almost completely on her back, just allowing enough room for her hands. He then lathered up the sponge and reached around to her front and carefully began to clean around her breasts.

Maleficent looked up at the door and waved her hand, a green wisp came forth and the double doors shut.

"That's another area I saved for you," Maleficent said turning a bit towards his face breathing hard between the words.

"I know," his soft voice whispered into her pointed ear. The manner in which the words came from his lips turned her on further. She started to move her body in a seductive manner.

Diaval slowly shifted from cleaning to massaging her breasts. Her breathing deepened more and she let out a small moan when he coursed his finger tips over her nipples. She then gulped hard and turned around to face him. She began to massage his penis from the front as he continued massaging her breasts.

"Diaval, I know you are supposed to rest now, but...I...I want...I need to...I need you, mine sweet." she said as her hard breathing force her to open her mouth and she started to pant.

"I know," Diaval said, "We went too far already. I knew when I saw you naked outstretching your wings before that I was in trouble. Washing your back, caressing the base of your wings, seeing what effect it had on you, I hit the point of no return. I need you too, my love."

"Yes, I can feel you against my back."

"Are you ready then?"

"Yes, Diaval" Maleficent gasped out.

"We have to keep it down though," Diaval said.

"Don't worry, mine sweet. I think she knows what we are going to do down here," she said breathing hard between her words, noting she was breathing through her mouth now. "Diaval, you are making me pant."

"Yes...you look extremely sexy doing that."

She smiled and then crept up on Diaval and pushed him down until he was laying down on the lounge seat, his legs were over the sides hanging down. His manhood was completely stiff and erect but submerged under the water. She got up and positioned herself over him. She held on to the edges of the lounge seat just above Diaval's waist. She then swung her legs his and putting her weight on her arms. Diaval could see her triceps and began to run his fingers over them. When she was right over him, he took one hand and lined his penis up with her opening. She then purposely bent her arms and let him glide slowly into her. Her eyes were closed hard as she scrunched her face up from the sheer pleasure of the slow insertion.

He kept running his hands up and down her arms letting his fingers run across the indentions along her arms. He liked the feel of the muscles under her skin. Diaval began to breathe harder and more intense as he could feel her slowly engulfing him, taking him inside her.

She already started to call out. "Oh! Oh! Oh!"

Just as Diaval was fully inside of her, there suddenly were voices outside of the door. Both a female's voice and a male's voice.

Diaval could make out Medusa's voice yelling, "No No No! Don't go in there, they could be..."

Just then the door flew open and Robin flew in. His mouth dropped and his eyes flew open.

"Oh Shit!" he called out as he stopped dead in mid air.

"FUCK!" Maleficent blurted out glaring at Robin. Her voiced reverberated throughout the room. She quickly pulled her wing over to cover herself and Diaval's exposed bodies.

For a few moments there was dead silence. Both Diaval and Robin were stunned and didn't move as both knew that was a word that rarely fell off of Maleficent's lips.

"Oops! Well, that I definitely can see," Robin said giggling a bit, but quickly realized that was the wrong thing to say and he darted back out of the room.

"Naw, ya think? You flying red turnip! Don't you believe in knocking anymore!? Damn you Robin!" Maleficent shouted towards the door as she got off of Diaval and waved her arm over her body going back to the swimsuit she had on before.

Diaval just closed his eyes as he lied there, his manhood hard as a rock. There were several human four letter colorful metaphors that were running around his head too. But he kept them to himself. But he was worried more about Maleficent more than anything else as bad things happened when she got angry. He heard Robin say in the distance, "Medusa, please hide me...now! I am in trouble!"

Maleficent marched out of the pool and with one wave of her hand she was dry and another she was fully clothed in her robes. Diaval could tell she was NOT happy as she stormed towards the door and mumbled, "He saw me na...us naked and getting intimate. Now he has gone too far!"

Diaval could tell that she was boiling over mad but he spoke up anyway and said, "Maleficent my love."

Maleficent turned around and glared at Diaval.

"WHAT?!"

"Calm down, dear, I am just as miffed and disappointed as you, but please, don't turn Robin into anything."

"It is just...I wanted you and just when we were ready too...To be walked in on like that...With no consideration." Maleficent said breathing so hard between her words that she began to stammer. "I feel so violated! I just can't believe he drove me to say that awful word!"

Diaval looked down at her arms and her veins were bulging. He knew it was bad and spoke even calmer than before, "Please my love, calm down. I understand, I am angry myself, but I am certain Robin has a good reason. I saw it on his face when he came in. I think something is wrong. After all, why is he here when he should be on the ship?"

She was seething and breathing heavy as she stood there. Diaval could tell she was fighting with herself to calm down. She rustled her wings and then turned and left the room. She then swung around the door way and shouted, "Get out...NOW!"

Diaval's jaw dropped and just as she was ready to leave again, she stopped with her hand on the door frame and hung her head low. She took a couple deep breaths and put her hand on her forehead. After a few moments her face softened a bit and she said, "I am sorry, Diaval. My temper, I know. I shouldn't speak to you that way. It is just my emotions lately. Damn him for ruining such a special moment with you. Ugghhhhh!" she shook her fists."

Diaval got out and started to move closer to Maleficent.

"I know," he reached his arms out to her knowing she needed comforting badly.

"You're wet" she said and waved her hand in the air with a yellow wisp from her hand, Diaval was instantly dry.

He placed his arms around her and pulled her close. He said, "We will definitely continue this later."

His gentle touch and soothing words of assurance had a calming effect on her and Maleficent cracked a smile she curled her wings around his exposed body and said, "Yes, we will, mine sweet...I can feel you pressing against me, you're still very hard." She bit her lower lip in anguish glancing down to his penis. She then whispered in his ear, "I still want you."

"I know, I still want you too. I am having a hard time calming down myself," Diaval whispered back in her ear.

The two stood cheek to cheek for a while and after a few moments passed, Maleficent pulled back and said, "I'm Okay."

He slowly released his embrace, walked over to the chair and proceeded to get dressed. Seemingly much calmer now, Maleficent headed up the ramp. Diaval followed when he was done getting himself dressed. As he reached the top of the ramp he glared at Robin and said, "Ok, what is going on here in that you just barged in on us without any kind of warning. Furthermore, why are you here in the first place?"

Maleficent looked at Diaval and was impressed with his assertiveness and strength in his voice. She raised her eyebrows and took a step back and let Diaval take control of the situation.

Robin put his hands up, took a deep breath and said, "I was just apologizing to Maleficent, I am sorry. Really, I am sorry for barging in downstairs, but I am not being my usual dirty minded self and trying to be funny. There is a genuine problem. The Moriches Inlet froze over during the night and the ship can't get through. I tried to help, but there is too much ice. I need Maleficent's help to break it up. Perhaps Medusa, you too could help. So I flew here as fast as I could, but I am small and it took a while. I just tried to get to Maleficent as fast as I could. Forgive me as I am completely exhausted and wanted to tell you before I passed out."

Diaval looked over to Maleficent.

"Alright, Robin, your reason is sound enough. You are forgiven." Maleficent's voice began to sound more calm realizing that this was indeed a real emergency. "Let's get underway immediately."

As Medusa shut everything down in her villa once again, Maleficent and Robin proceeded to get Diaval ready to fly, putting his harness back on and gathering up their supplies.

It was about late morning when they ascended out of the villa's courtyard. Given Diaval's size, it would take less than a quarter hour to reach the inlet by flying.

While in the air, Maleficent wanted to try out her wings. Robin mentioned that he installed extra ties so she could tie her lower legs to the harness so she wouldn't inadvertently be thrown off of Diaval's back.

"Are you sure you want to try this now?" Robin asked.

"Yes, just a little bit." She said.

"What? But you are not ready to fly yet," Medusa said.

"No, but I can glide. I can let the air rush by my wings and it will give me some lift. It will also help in getting some weight off of Diaval's back, otherwise he will tire too fast. Besides I do need the exercise for my wings."

She undid the shoulder harness and tied the reins to the handlebar on the harness.

"Alright, I am going to to give it a shot," she said to Robin and Medusa and then turned to Diaval and shouted, "Diaval, slow down, I am going to exercise my wings."

Diaval looked back and grunted as he cupped his wings a bit and they slowed down. Maleficent slowly started to outstretch her wings and kept them flat. Once she had them full out, she started to cup them a little bit. The air caught her and pulled her straight out of the harness seat.

"Maleficent!" Robin and Medusa called out.

Robin's hands had red wisps around them as he was ready to use his magic to help Maleficent. But the extra ties did their job and stopped her from being pulled totally out of the seat.

Maleficent was using all her might to keep her wings straight and slightly cupped to give her just a little lift to keep her in the air. Above Diaval, the cold air was a bit bracing. But it didn't matter to her as this was the closest she came to flying in 17 years. She was lifted into the air by her own wings. She could feel tears well up in her eyes and she shouted back down to Medusa, Robin and Diaval, "Guys! I am flying again!"

"Yeah, you go M'lady!" Robin shouted to her.

Medusa cheered on as well.

Diaval turned to look at Maleficent. She could see the left side of his face looking up to her. He smiled back to her. She could see that his eye that faced her was welling up. Soon tears started to flow from his eye. But when he turned his head forward, the air rushing past blew his tears away. He let out a huge roar of delight.

"Awww, Diaval!" she called to him. She knew it was tears of joy.

Maleficent tried to hold her self up for as long as she could but after about 10 minutes her wing muscles began to fatigue and she began to lower herself back into the seat. She then folded her wings up and secured herself back into the harness.

She then turned to Medusa and Robin, exclaiming, "Now THAT was amazing! I am so close, so close!"

"You are close! You looked so majestic up there. Like the angel you are," Medusa said.

"Awwww, that is such a sweet thing to say, but I am far from an angel."

"Yes you are. In my eyes I see you as an angel because you saved me from my own wretched life. You truly are amazing."

"Well, don't sell yourself short, Medusa, as if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be up here now enjoying myself."

Robin added, "Don't forget either, if it wasn't for you, there wouldn't be a me anymore!"

Medusa put a huge smile on her face as she let the feeling sink in that she knew she was wanted and played an important role in someone's life. She then threw her arms in the air and yelled out, "Yes, Yes, this is so much fun!"

"Congratulations, M'lady, you have come a long way!" Robin shouted.

While Medusa and Robin cheered Maleficent on, Diaval roared as he nodded his head below. They had reached the Moriches inlet.

"I see it Diaval! Thank you! We are going to have to stop and break up the ice for them!" Maleficent shouted to him.

Maleficent had Diaval circle around the Moriches inlet so she could assess the situation. Almost the entire half mile stretch of the inlet had frozen over. As they came around and came close above the ship, Maleficent put a smirk on her face.

"You want to have some more fun?" She said to Medusa.

"Oh yes! Definitely!"

"Oh lass, what are you up to?" Robin said.

"Just hold on Robin," Maleficent said and then she turned forward to Diaval, "Diaval, do a flyby, let them get a good look at us, but be careful, I don't want to damage the ship."

Diaval nodded in acknowledgement.

"Oh, great!" Robin said as he held on.

Suddenly Diaval dove down.

"Really is this necessaryyyyyyyy!" Robin screamed as he held on to the harness.

"Ohhhhh, I can feel myself lifting up!" Medusa called out and put her hands in the air. "This is so wonderful!"

Diaval flew low and evened himself up with the hull of the ship when he started to blow past the bow. He leaned a bit to the side and Maleficent got a good look at Captain James at the helm as she blew past him. His eyes were as wide as dinner plates as they flew by at speed. The ensuing air wake gave Captain James a nice blast of cold air to his face and knocked him off balance and he landed on his bum.

Both Medusa and Maleficent laughed, and Diaval roared with delight, but Robin wasn't too happy.

"Ok, now that I am scared out of my wits can we take care of this problem now?"

"Certainly," Maleficent said as she laughed she then turned to Diaval and yelled, "Diaval, look for a place for us to land."

Maleficent scanned the edges of the river mouth and shouted, "There Diaval, land on that beach."

They circled and came to a landing on a beach that was next to the inlet. By the edge of the beach, there was a large rock formation.

"Medusa, can you break that rock formation up into small boulders? I will then take them and smash them into the ice. We just need a wide enough swath that the ship can pass through."

Medusa nodded her head and then went straight to work breaking up the rock formation into uniform sized boulders and 'passed' them to Maleficent of whom was standing on a sandbar in the middle of the inlet. She would 'catch' the boulders Medusa tossed to her and then hurl them into the middle of the inlet breaking up the ice. Robin would then push the broken sections of ice out of the way.

Diaval wanted to help out too picking up a large boulder and dropping it on top of the ice. Maleficent called to him, "No No Diaval, I know you want to help, but you will tire too quickly. I need you to rest now. You need to save your energy to take us back."

Diaval nodded and landed back on the beach and curled up.

The three faeries were hard at work for a good hour or so breaking up the ice. Slowly the ship inched forward as Maleficent and Robin opened up the swath of ice before them. Medusa kept supplying Maleficent with boulders and she kept breaking up the ice. Soon the inlet was clear and the ship could sail out to sea.

Maleficent, Medusa and Robin sat exhausted on the sand bar's edge as the ship proceeded to sail out to sea. When the ship was close the sandbar, it stopped. There was a deafening roar of cheers from those on board.

"You think after all that they might reconsider letting Medusa come on board?" Robin said to Maleficent.

"I should hope so. She certainly earned it."

"Well, let me pass on the news let's see what they say," Robin said as he flew over to the ship.

Robin disappeared close to the top of the ship. Several moments passed and it seemed to be taking a Robin a long time to return.

"Sheesh, what is there to debate?" Medusa said. "We saved their bums."

"I don't know," Maleficent said. "But we shall see."

Just then Maleficent could make out that they were preparing a dinghy.

"They are releasing a boat, that is a good sign," Maleficent said.

"Boat? You call that little thing a boat? That's a nutshell." Medusa said.

The two ladies burst out laughing at Medusa's joke.

A single person boarded the dinghy. A yellow glow appeared around the base of the boat as it just floated over towards the sand bar. As it drew near Maleficent could tell it was Captain James himself and Robin was with him. Maleficent shot over a yellow wisp of magic over to Diaval and he changed into a bird. The change woke him up and he flew over to the sand bar. Once he was over, Maleficent changed him back into a man. He stretched out and looked out to see the dinghy approaching them. Maleficent and Medusa stood up.

"So, what have I missed?" Diaval said yawning and stretching out his arms.

"Well, we just finished clearing the inlet and Robin went aboard the ship and we will see what happens next," Maleficent said, filling Diaval in.

When the boat stopped on the sand bar, Maleficent could see Robin with his arms crossed and he said, "Go on captain."

Captain James took his hat off and he held it nervously in his hand, his clothes were still mussed up from the flyby Diaval did earlier. He looked back to his ship and the rail on the deck was packed with members of his crew. The look of embarrassment was written all over his face.

But instead of the captain speaking first, Diaval came up and said, "Oh, I'm sorry for the flyby Captain, I have a tendency to be a little bold and brash when Maleficent changes me into a dragon."

"Actually, I am the one that needs to do the apologizing, Diaval. But first a huge thank you is in order for all of you in helping to free my ship. You didn't have to do that."

"No, we didn't," Maleficent said, "But you have my men on board and I am aware of the shortage of supplies."

"Quite so, but thank you your excellency, regardless. And now for the apology...I never consulted with my men on what their opinion was and just assumed that the majority of them wouldn't want Medusa on board. Whereas, it was really I that was the most intimidated by her. There were others too, but when Robin explained everything so eloquently and the crew found out that I have left you behind, well a good majority of them were upset with me. Angelina and the kitchen crew wouldn't even talk to me. They locked themselves in the brig on the account of disobeying me and I haven't even given them an order. They just locked themselves in there and wouldn't talk or listen to me. Angelina said she wouldn't come out of the brig unless I found you and apologized to you...and Medusa." Captain James swallowed hard as he turned and looked towards the ship again. In a small voice he said, "I'm sorry for the way I acted towards you, your excellency, and you Madame Medusa. Now on behalf of myself and my crew, I would like to welcome you back aboard the ship and we can complete the journey as we should have...together."

Maleficent looked a bit annoyed that the captain spoke in such a low voice that none on the ship could hear what he was saying. She ran her tongue across her lips and she replied in a much louder voice hoping that it might reach the ship, "Very well Captain James, I accept your apology, but it would seem that it is Madame Medusa that you most offended by your actions and out of the three of us, it was her magic ability that was of most assistance."

Maleficent leaned over and whispered in Medusa's ear, "Put out your hand."

Medusa wondered why, but she did so. Captain James took her hand and he glanced over to Maleficent. Their eyes met and Maleficent looked to the ground and dipped her head a bit. Getting her message clearly, Captain James got down on one knee and looked up to Medusa as he held her hand and said, "Would you accept the apology of a closed minded captain of whom was foolish not to take the time to get to know you and learn of your true good hearted nature." He looked down and kissed her on the hand.

Medusa took a cue from Maleficent and replied in a loud voice herself, "Apology accepted Captain James, that was nice of you to say, but I wish that would have been the way you greeted me upon our initial arrival rather than labeling me as a 'dangerous creature' bent on causing mischief and mayhem on board and turning myself and my dear friend Maleficent away from your ship."

Maleficent grinned being impressed by Medusa's response. They could hear clapping and cheering from those on board.

Captain James stood up and said, "Can you please come aboard now? I feel humiliated enough with everyone staring at me."

"Very well, Captain" Maleficent reached around and patted Captain James on the back. Diaval loaded the harness and Medusa's things on board the dinghy.

Maleficent looked to Robin and said, "Thank you, Robin for talking some sense into our captain."

"Obliged, my lass, obliged." Robin said as he waved his hand and the long boat drifted back to the ship. As they drew nearer, the crew started to slowly clap in unison. The nearer they got the faster they clapped. When the long boat pulled alongside there were cheers and whistles among the men.

Then Captain James yelled up, "Enough! Back to your stations men!" He put his hand up to his forehead. Maleficent saw that he had the look of shame on his face. She couldn't help but grin at Medusa of whom mouthed a 'thank you' over to her.

As the dinghy reached the rail, Captain James jumped down to the deck first and positioned the steps in front of the railing and one by one assisted the women back on the ship. Diaval followed carrying his harness and he placed the small case with Medusa's things in the captain's hand.

"I believe Madame Medusa needs her own room, Captain. These are her things." Diaval said in a gloating manner following his love's lead. But as he walked off he stepped a couple steps back and said, "Oh, I really do apologize for the flyby, but it could have been worse, I could have lit your bum on fire."

Medusa burst out laughing, but then placed her hand over her mouth.

"Okay Okay, I know I deserved it, but please can we put it behind us and let me get us underway."

"Of course, Captain," Diaval said bowing to Captain James.

Diaval caught up to Medusa and said, "You know, you have a rather nice laugh."

"Thank you," she said.

"Captain," Maleficent said giving him a 'come hither' sign with her finger leaning up on her staff a bit.

"Yes, your excellency," Captain James said having a look of worry on his face as to what is going to come next.

"You can learn a thing about being a gentleman from Diaval."

"Look, I admit was wrong and I apologized, I hope that I am not going to be continually humiliated for the duration of this voyage. I can be a decent gentleman."

"No, of course not. I am done. But, please forgive me, as I have a personality flaw in which if someone does me or my friends wrong I have a tendency to push them into the dirt and rub their face in it," Maleficent said in a stern voice.

"Yes, I noticed that," Captain James shook his head and then said, "May I ask something of you, your excellency?"

"What?"

"Please don't mention any of this to my father. I think he would be really upset with me if I affected Ulstead's trade relationship with Malora in anyway."

"Well, that depends on how we are treated for the rest of the trip." Maleficent said in a matter-of-fact like tone. She continued, "Oh! For starters, release that wonderful servant of yours, Angelina. We are rather hungry from our day working out in the cold."

"Yes, ma'am. It is getting close to dinner time anyway."

"Oh? Dinner this early?" Maleficent asked.

"Well, the men were without lunch today and are hungry when Angelina locked herself and her staff in the brig, so we are going to have an early dinner to compensate.

"What is on the menu for tonight?" Maleficent asked.

The two started to walk behind the others towards the door that lead to staircase to the decks below.

"Halibut fillet and steamed potatoes. But for you and Madame Medusa, I have prepared a special vegetable potato pot pie."

"Oh! That certainly sounds appetizing. But with Angelina and the cooking staff in the brig, who prepared the meal?"

Captain James let out a large sigh and then pointed to himself with his forefingers and said, "If someone didn't cook for the men then I would have a mutiny on my hands."

"I see. So, cooking runs in your family then, huh?" Maleficent asked.

"Yes it does. Is there anything else you and the Madame would like?

"Well, I do like that seafood bisque soup and the salad, of course. I am sure Medusa would enjoy that too, she does fancy seafood."

"Well, now that you are back on board, I can get Angelina on that right away."

Captain James opened the door to Maleficent and Diaval's suite and she started to enter, but she poked her head out of the door and asked, "Where is my friend staying on board?"

"She is going to have the room next to Sir Joseph's. Robin and I fixed the room up so it would appeal more to a woman and that room does have it's own wash basin and also a window."

"Well, you can be certain that I will be checking with her to see if the accommodations are to her liking."

Captain James dipped his head and said, "Well, it is the nicest room below decks. I can assure you that. So, I guess I will see you at dinner time then?"

"Of course. Until dinner then," Maleficent said as she entered the room and the captain closed the door behind her.

Maleficent climbed the steps up to the bedroom to find Diaval collapsed on the bed laying on his stomach.

"Still tired?" she said softly to him.

"Yeah, somewhat. I seriously doubt we would have made it to Ulstead in one day. I probably would have needed a few breaks. Carrying one person, yeah, I probably could have done it in one or two breaks, but with two people on my back, that would have taken a much greater toll on me. Even with that short trip from the villa to the inlet, my shoulder blades are throbbing."

He could feel Maleficent reach over and start to rub her hands on his back and coursing her fingers along his shoulder blades.

"Hmmmm," he let out a small moan as he said, "You have such nice hands. Those long, beautiful, and strong fingers of yours. I love your hands."

"Thank you, mine sweet. I must say that you were stupendous today. Such a gentleman in every way. You have better ways with people than Prince James. You heard that his crew was even shocked by his actions. You would be a good be the captain of a ship. I even told him he needs to take lessons in being a gentleman from you."

Diaval smiled and said, "Yes, I did catch that and thank you, my love. But, I don't know about that. I don't know the first thing about being a captain of a ship. So that would be out. Next, I don't think the captain would like to taking etiquette lessons from a raven."

Maleficent laughed and said, "Oh come now, most birds have better manners than most men."

Diaval grinned and said, "I mostly like to come off as presentable and a gentleman for you. That is what I take pride in most of all, I like to treat you like a lady."

"You so exceed so well at that. You treat me more than like a lady. You treat me like a queen."

"Well, whether I am outside or in here the main things that matters is that I am with you. So I enjoyed myself with you today. And the dragon ride was certainly awesome. I liked giving the captain a flyby. Medusa seemed to like that as well," Diaval said as he reflected on the day, "Most of all seeing you catch the wind on your own wings, I was overwhelmed by your beauty. The look on your face just brought tears of joy to my eyes. Congratulations, my love, it was nice to finally see you fly.

"Thank you very much Diaval. Yes, I did see the tear run down your eye and I was very touched by it. II knew it was something you wanted to see. And that goes the same for me as well, the dragon ride was indeed wonderful," Maleficent said sitting up on the bed, "I can't wait to go up again with you."

"Yes, I certainly can't wait myself."

Maleficent let out a sigh and then looked at herself in the mirror and said, "I want to finally get out of this headdress being in it for so long."

That was all Diaval had to hear and and he perked up, and said, "May I comb out your hair?"

"Yes, Diaval, of course you may. I know it has been a while since you last done so."

Maleficent got up and walked over to the vanity table and mirror. The chair was nicely a high back chair similar to hers in the Rowan Tree. She just lounged in it slouching down a bit. Diaval got up from the bed and began to get to work and carefully unwrapped her headdress. He carefully held on to her hair and then let it unfold down. He grabbed the brush that was laying on the table and started to work on combing out her knots first. By now he was a pro at it and didn't snag her hair once. After a while of getting all of her knots out, it came to his favorite part and that was combing down the full length of her hair. He knew this is what made her feel good.

As he started to stroked down gently Maleficent's eyes twitched a bit and then her breathing became heavier and more intense. He could hear the air rush in and out of her nostrils and her chest rose and fell harder.

When he got around the base of her horns she started to sigh and make small moaning sounds. She angled her head so he would have better access. Unlike before they came around and announced their love for one another, Maleficent would stop herself. But now that they were lovers she just let him comb her hair out and if it felt good enough for her to moan, she did so.

"You always look so beautiful with your head tilted back like that and your eyes closed. Oh you have such beautiful lips...so red. They are perfect."

Maleficent just smiled and said, "Thank you, mine sweet. You may kiss me if you want."

She pursed her lips and Diaval closed his eyes and his lips met hers.

She immediately put her hand on the back of his head and pressed her tongue into his mouth, and rubbed the underside of his tongue with hers. After a few moments with their lips locked, she suddenly withdrew.

"Whoa, whoa! That was fast!" Diaval said, "Can we kiss more and longer?"

"Diaval, we can't get too far into it, we will be having dinner shortly. What happens if we start to want each other before dinner? We have had already one bad interruption for today."

"Oh." Diaval felt like he was being shot down and then asked, "Please, just a longer kiss, I promise I will not take it further."

Maleficent smiled at him and licked her lips and said, "Oh, Alright."

She closed her eyes and pursed her lips. Diaval did the same and their lips met. This time the kiss was gentler and slower and she ran her tongue on the inside edge of his lips. He started to breath heavy. More and more she pushed her tongue into his mouth. Diaval then straddled himself over her legs and held the back of her head. As her tongue went deeper in his mouth, he started to moan. As he began to wrap his tongue around hers, he found himself getting that tingling sensation and began lower himself on to her legs. He started to rub his legs against hers. His breathing deepened. Just then Maleficent broke off the kiss and looked Diaval into his dark eyes, "I can feel you are starting to get aroused, my love."

"Yes, your kiss is just so sensual and powerful. I want more." Diaval said.

"Ahh, you promised," she said waving her finger.

Diaval got a sad look on his face as he agreed and said, "Yes, I did."

"So I want to be ready for dinner. Please finish up with my hair and lets get dressed."

Diaval went back to combing her hair out, but he keep wanting to kiss those ruby lips that were moving as Maleficent sighed and moaned as he was combing out her hair. He began to want her more and more. When he was finished he got up and walked over to the window, he could feel that he was halfway erect. The pressure of his penis pressing up against his pants was uncomfortable.

"Diaval? Is everything alright?"

"Yes, but watching your face as I combed out your hair. Well, I kind of got aroused."

"Diaval! I warned you. I hope you can calm yourself down."

"I couldn't help it. Your face, your hair, your body, is just so darn beautiful. It just sometimes get so impossible to control those feelings and urges."

"Diaval, I am sorry, and I know. But I'll tell you what, there will be plenty time tonight when we can finish what we started in Medusa's villa."

"Sheesh, Robin's timing couldn't have been more off," Diaval said in a frustrated tone, "I mean right upon insertion. Just ten minutes more."

"Don't I know it, why do think I blew up like that?" She said as she turned to face Diaval. "Here I am very aroused, and I just had you glide inside of me...which, I have to add, felt so wonderful."

Diaval just smiled and sighed, "Yeah, it certainly did feel wonderful for me too."

"And then he barges in like that! That is what got me so angry more so than him seeing us naked."

"Ummm, my dear, talking about isn't helping any, in fact I think I am getting larger."

"I am sorry Diaval, you are right, we should both stop talking about. I can feel it too and I don't want to become aroused now either."

The two didn't talk anymore and concentrated on getting dressed for dinner. About halfway through, the string next to the bed moved and the bell rang.

"Wow! We better get a move on," Maleficent said, "I believe that was a call for dinner."

Maleficent and Diaval went downstairs and entered the dining room.

Sir Joseph and Medusa were already there and they sat on one side of the table looking each other in the eyes. On the other side of the table were another two settings one for Diaval and it was to be assumed the other was for the captain. Maleficent took her place at the head of the table. She was pleased to see the hideous contraption that held her wings up was gone. In the center of the table under a plant was a small table setting for Robin which was opposite Maleficent's chair.

"Good evening, your excellency, glad to have you back aboard!" Sir Joseph said.

"Thank you, Sir Joseph," Maleficent said and then turned to Medusa, "I take it your room is fine?"

"Oh, Yes. It isn't very large, but it is nice. It has a nice canopy bed and I just curled up in it and went to sleep for a while. It is nice and comfy. The room is nice and warm too and Joe is right next door too!"

"I heard that you put on quite a show with the captain," Sir Joseph said. "I am upset that I missed it all though. I was in my cabin kicking back for a while since we were stuck. I ended up reading a book and I fell asleep. Next thing I know I heard someone in the room next to me and I knew they were preparing it for Medusa. I knocked on the door and to my surprise she was on board. So she ended up filling me in on everything. I am so proud of her for being the hero of the day and heading up the task of freeing the ship."

"We all are proud of her," Maleficent said, "I am very proud...of my new friend."

Medusa's eyes started to well up and her bottom lip quivered and her voice cracked a bit as she said, "I have never felt so cared for by so many people before. This is truly overwhelming me. This is going to be another best day in my life."

Sir Joseph pulled her closer to him and he offered her a handkerchief as looked as if she were ready to cry.

Maleficent outstretched her hand and Medusa took a hold of it. This action alone made her smile

"Well, I am happy to hear it," Maleficent said as she let go and then sat down.

Suddenly a red glow rapidly descended down the steps. It was Robin.

"Sorry, sorry folks! I am running a bit late, but I was up top and didn't hear the call for dinner," he said as he took his place at the table. Which consisted of a large and small building block making up a table and chair accordingly. A napkin was cut to size to make a nice table cloth. As with the place settings at the castle it appeared to be that from a doll house. "You wouldn't believe what they had to go through to find this stuff for me."

Everyone laughed and welcomed Robin to the table.

A few moments later, to everyone's amazement it was the captain himself who emerged from the galley wearing an apron. Angelina followed behind him.

"Good evening...eer rather, late afternoon, your Excellency, Madame and Sirs."

"Captain, why are you in the galley?" Maleficent asked.

"Well, like I said earlier, I made up the dinner for tonight, so naturally I had to see it through. I spent most of the time up to now getting Angelina up to speed. You requested the soup and salad and we have that ready for you now."

"Splendid!" Maleficent said with an impressed look on her face.

The captain retreated back to the galley, and Angelina tip toed over to Maleficent, and whispered to her, "I am so happy you are back aboard, I was so furious when I heard what happened. I actually wanted him to turn the ship around. He wouldn't, of course, so I told him I will stay in the brig on the account of refusing the order to cook for the crew. My staff, of course, followed my lead. I did it because in all of my years of service for the King and Queen on Ulstead's ships, of all the outside dignitaries we had on board, you were the most kind and pleasant group of people I ever served for. "

"Why thank you Angelina that was nice of you to say," Maleficent said.

"See what I mean, you are just so nice to me."

Maleficent smiled and said, "I would like to introduce you to my friend, Medusa."

Medusa perked up and and waved to Angelina.

"Well, nice to meet you Madame Medusa, my you have such a beautiful face."

"Thank you. I am happy to finally be aboard."

"You are so...interesting. Do they bite?"

"Only if they get mad, but they follow my mood directly so as long as I am not mad, then no they are very docile and can be very loving too," Medusa said as the snakes curiously all clustered on Medusa's shoulders and a couple rubbed their heads on her neck. "See what I mean."

"That's amazing. Oh! I heard that you, Maleficent and Robin freed us from being stuck behind the Moriches inlet."

"Yes, that we did."

"Well, thank you very much for your help. So, you are a faerie like Maleficent and Robin too?"

"Yes, part faerie actually," Medusa said as her snakes slithered back and exposed her ears. "My magic isn't as great as Maleficent's. I only have a couple magic abilities...manipulation of stone and healing. I can also light fires by making stones vibrate against each other very fast."

Maleficent then added, "Yes, but those magic abilities are by far stronger than my own."

"Really? You are amazing," Angelina said in a surprised tone as she looked back to Medusa. She was going to continue when the captain came back out the galley door.

"Angelina, I need you to help serve our guests now," he said with a slight impatient tone in his voice.

"Aye, Captain, right away." Angelina said.

"Good," he replied as he held the door open for his servant to enter.

Moments later both came out with the soups for everyone.

"Enjoy!" The captain said, "I will be joining you shortly."

Medusa looked at the cup of soup with curious eyes and she took the spoon and tried a little bit. All of a sudden the snakes on her head perked up and her face lit up.

"Whoa! This is amazing! I love this!" She exclaimed and then went back to tucking away at it taking in spoonful after spoonful.

Sir Joseph whispered to her, "Easy! Slow down, it isn't a race."

"Sorry, Joe, it is just that I am very hungry and this is excellent soup. Hmmmm."

"Ok then, the little lady loves the soup. I like it too as I had some when I woke up on the trip in," Robin said. "I kind of did the same thing and normally faeries don't eat any kind of meat including fish." He then looked to Maleficent of whom he saw was also eating the soup. "You too, huh!"

"Yes, Robin, me too. The soup was just too good to refuse, especially since it is cold out," Maleficent said smiling.

Robin laughed and then everyone joined in. Medusa smiled but didn't realize that she had some of the cream broth on each of the corners of her mouth. Sir Joseph noticed and took his napkin and gently rubbed the cream from the corners of Medusa's mouth. He did it in such a loving manner that most at the table noticed.

"Thank you, Joe." Medusa said her eyes were locked on to his.

Robin then said, "Well, I must say that it is grand that we are all together tonight."

"Yes, it is," Maleficent said.

"Here, here!" The others followed.

"I must thank each and every one at this table tonight as if it wasn't for everyone here, I would have never got my wings back," Maleficent said as she extended her wings part way. "Robin to you, I don't know what to say that you were willing to give your life for me just so I could fly again."

"Well, lass, I been around for a long time already and I must say I had lived a good life already. So I knew how much those wings meant to you. It was just a thrill to see it finally happen, even if things didn't quite go as planned."

"Well, it is as Diaval told me one time, 'things happen for a reason' and sometimes someone's mistake in life causes a chain of events that can bring many people together. Stefan's selfish act of taking my wings has allowed me to meet all you fine people assembled here at this table tonight, with the exception of Robin of course as I have known him all my life. I have found love, friendship and I am also a Godmother."

"Don't forget you also made peace with the humans!" Robin added.

"Yes, that was a goal that my parents sought to achieve and I am still shocked that I managed to fulfill that goal as well. Sir Joseph here played a big role in that."

"Well, I knew Queen Aurora would have been lost to you since she loved the Moors. So, I had to do something to keep the rightful heir on the throne of our kingdom. Peace was the only answer."

The captain and Angelina came out with the salads for everyone. After everyone was served the captain came out with a bowl of soup and a salad for himself.

"Sorry your excellency, Madame, and sirs. I just filled in Angelina on the main course and she can take it from here," Captain James said as he took off his apron and put it on the table behind the plant. He then continued, "Again I am very sorry for what has transpired in the day. It was poor judgment on my part. And a thousand pardons to you Madame."

Medusa bowed her head and said, "This excellent soup, Captain!"

Everyone else nodded in agreement.

"Thank You, Thank you all. It is an old family recipe and it is a favorite among our people in Ulstead.

For a while everyone was quiet but then Medusa started to glisten and she spoke up in a small meek voice, "I have something to say to everyone."

"Go, ahead Medusa," Maleficent said.

The others at the table nodded as they were eating their salads and all eyes turned to Medusa.

"Before yesterday I lived a horribly boring life alone. Everything is so different now and I have a new life with much thanks to Maleficent. When I first saw her I knew she was different and I didn't know if she was just another to come and hurt me. But to find out she was a faerie, I was overwhelmed and wanted to take the time to get to know her. I just didn't know how much she would change my life. She helped me in ways that I could only have dreamed about."

"Thank you, Medusa, you have assisted me greatly and as such your reward was equally as great," Maleficent said.

"Maleficent, you mentioned you wanted to hear my story back at the villa. You don't know all of it as of yet. But while everyone is here, I may as well tell you now."

"Sure, go ahead."

"You know I have told you of my father of whom was killed when I was just 15. He was one quarter human and three quarters faerie."

"Yes," Maleficent said answering between taking bites from her salad.

"Well, I have not talked about my mother much, of whom was killed when I was 5."

"You did go as far to mention that both of your parents were killed and I mentioned that it was similar to what happened to me," Maleficent said. "But I lost both of mine together shortly after I was born."

"Well, the stories you have read about me are not entirely true."

"Yes, that also was clearly established."

"Well, they are not true for me because they are not directly about me. I am not the Medusa. The Medusa the stories and legends were written about, was my mom. She was cold and with no heart. She hated mankind and threatened to turn all human men to stone.

"What?" Sir Joseph said out loud while everyone else had a shocked look on their face.

In initially when my mom was alive, my father used to call me Mel. But when my mother died, he called me Medusa in honor of her. When he passed anyone else that came my way called me Medusa. So that name is what stuck with me. I guess everyone, including you fine folks have confused me with my mom. The truth of the matter is that I don't even remember what my real name is anymore."

Medusa's eyes began to well up and Sir Joseph reached out a hand to her face. Immediately the snakes started to cuddle around his hand. He just smiled.

Maleficent then asked, "Well, if your mother was so cold and heartless how did she end up with your father?"

"Well, that is the long story part."

Everyone paused from eating and all eyes were riveted on Medusa giving her the OK to continue.

"My father was a captured faerie and he came in on a human raid of my mother's home. He manged to get free during that raid and helped to save my mom that time, but being as heartless as she was, my mom tried to turn him to stone, but found she couldn't. The effect was immune on him. My mom then found him intriguing and in turn captured him. She was curious about his powers. At first he didn't want anything to do with her but to be free. But then he showed her what he could do. She just became more and more interested in him and grew accustomed to his conversation. She didn't want him to leave. Now, my dad wasn't much to look at by human and faerie standards but compared to my mom, well she started to find him attractive. But he wouldn't have anything to do with her and in an attempt to escape, my mom captured him again and ended up raping him. She wanted to know what it felt like to have a man inside of her. She wanted to know what it felt like to have sex. He managed to get free from her and said some insulting things. To his shock and my moms, she felt something in her heart break and she cried for the first and only time in her life of more than 800 years.

Angelina came out with the main course and noticed how everyone was listening to Medusa speak. She placed the pot pies on Medusa's and Maleficent's plate. Everyone else got the Halibut and potatoes. Angelina cleared the rest of the plates off the table and brought them to the back.

Medusa then continued with her story. Everyone also couldn't help but notice that her own snakes on her head seemed to be interested in her story and appeared to be 'sitting' around her face.

"Well, apparently my dad felt something for my mom and he came back to her. He said that when he found out her true age he understood why she raped him. Even though he didn't have feelings for mom he offered himself to her and they had sex again. But he explained to her on how to be gentle and if she was so with him that he would come back to her on a faerie's promise. So she did and he did keep his word and came back. In fact he came back more than he said he would and eventually he chose to live with my mom. He said the sex just became so incredible he never wanted to even think about being with a human woman again. Eventually something happened and that something was me.

Medusa stopped for a while to have some of her pie. Everyone else took a bite from their dinner as well.

"Hmmm, this is really good Captain," Medusa said.

"Thank you, it was my pleasure to make it special for you and Maleficent. An extension of my apology."

"Apology very much accepted!" She said with her mouthful.

Everyone laughed and took a few more bites of their dinner and then urged her to continue the story.

She then continued, "Well, being that I lost my mom at an early age, I mostly went by what my father told me about her. I do vaguely remember my mom and I do know she hated humans with a passion. My father ended up explaining to me about where my mom came from. She was from a race that were called the Gorgons. Initially the Gorgons were a beautiful race of people that were human in appearance but perfect in every way. They had long life, perfect health, perfect bodies, and unmatched beauty. While not magical, they did possess very strong healing abilites. My mom's sister was said to be so strong with healing herself that she could grow entire limbs back, she was also believed to be immortal. Gorgons were very rare in comparison to humans, but they were also very unforgiving and pompous in their ways. They were a very arrogant race and looked down on the less perfect humans. As fate had it a human that was extremely strong with magic fell for my mom's sister. Of course being a human, she wouldn't have anything to do with him. After many attempts at failure he then trained his sights on my mom. When she refused him, he became so enraged that he cursed the whole race of Gorgons. They all became hideous snake creatures with snakes for hair, their legs melded together to form a snakes tail. Their faces turned so ugly it would turn a man to stone on sight. Their hearts supposedly were incapable of showing love. They were eventually killed off by the humans one by one as they were perceived as dangerous to mankind.

Another effect on the curse was that Gorgons were thought to not be able to reproduce, but the magic user was crafty and thought that IF a Gorgon would bear a child, it would be a woman and the curse would also transfer down to the offspring. Thus with no males the race and no possible chance to procreate, the Gorgons would eventually cease to exist."

Medusa paused to take a few more bites of her pie,

"So this selfish magic user guy, found a way to commit genocide," Sir Joseph said.

"And people say I have a temper? That is an incredibly powerful magic spell," Maleficent said, "I couldn't even come close to that. This guy must have been tremendously powerful...very unusual for a human. Not even a faerie has power like that. Or at least I don't think so."

Medusa said shaking her head, "Yes, that is correct, but he forgot to take one thing into consideration and that was love, which turned out to be a greater power than his. My parents did love me and care for me. I was born with a pure heart, but I was told early on to avoid humans as they are bad and incapable of true love. "Turn them all to stone instantly" they said. Well that wasn't a problem as that is what would happen if a human gazed up on my face anyway.

"Since my parents had me, they figured they would try again for another child. So for another 5 year they had sex so much that they both were sore. My father then had the exciting news that mother was pregnant again. But not a month later, it happened, another raid. A big one...many soldiers. My father took to hiding me and in doing so wasn't able to get back to my mother's side in time. She was overwhelmed and couldn't turn them to stone fast enough. One of the soldiers managed to kill her. Enraged my father turned the entire army to stone and blasted their remains into oblivion."

Again, Medusa stopped to to take a few bites of her dinner before she continued.

"Now, I don't know if my father ended up loving my mom in the end, but his reaction does seem to indicate as such. Also in the last 5 years he referred to having sex with my mom as 'getting close'. So I think he did start to develop strong feelings for her. I ended up growing up with my father and he could tell I was blessed with a very good heart. He did his best to bring me up as well. He always called me 'beautiful' but made me very aware that the humans would always see me as a monster and I was to defend myself against them at all costs."

"The raids continued but he and I managed to hold them off. By the time I was 12, my father noticed that I carried the magical abilities of a stone faerie and he helped me hone those abilities. When I was 14 we built our first stone home together using parts of my mom's home.

Medusa took a few more bites from her dinner and she continued again,

"Then around 15, my father noticed that I was coming of age and questioned more of his love for my mom and if they kissed, did he enjoyed it," she paused and then turned to Maleficent and said, "This is getting to the part you already know, Maleficent."

Maleficent nodded as she continued to explain her relationship with her father and at her insistence that if she did good that he would kiss her on the lips as a gift. Jaws dropped around the table and there as a noise at the galley door.

Captain James rolled his eyes and said, "Come in Angelina and have a seat."

She came over to the table and stood next to the captain and said, "Sorry captain, but her story was just so..."

The captain raised his hand interrupting her, "Understood. So I am offering you a seat so you don't have to stand all night by the galley door listening in."

"Thank you Captain." Angelina said as she sat down next to the captain.

While the Captain and Angelina was conversing, Medusa finished up with her dinner. She licked her lips and said, "Mmmm, that was good."

She said that her father kissing her on the lips was not done out of a romantic gesture, but rather out of pity for her realizing that her chances of meeting a loving and caring male companion were close to none and he didn't want to go to his grave knowing that his daughter would never had experienced a kiss.

"It was close to my 16th birthday when it happened again...another raid," Medusa said.

"This time it was a smaller band of soldiers, but they were very crafty. They knew with what they were dealing with and they cornered my father and I in the woods and managed to separate us. My dad frantically tried to get to me and in so became distracted and they ended up killing him. I tried to get back to him to heal him, but they prevented me. They tried to corner me while wearing blindfolds, but the stupid thing they did was they held the blindfolds up with a stone cinch. So for me, I just lifted my finger and it was by by blindfolds for the whole lot and they all turned to stone on the spot. Once free, I tried to get to my dad, but it was too late. I couldn't do anything because the bastards cut all his limbs and his head off," Medusa said, her voice wracked with emotion. Her eyes began to well up as she continued.

"They knew I would try to heal him and they made it impossible for me to do so. With that much tissue damage to his body, I couldn't help him. I failed. And that is how I lost my father."

The tears started to fall from Medusa's eyes. But Angelina was bawling her heart out and she said through her tears, "I am so sorry, my dear." She held out her hand across the table and Medusa took it. "We are not all like that. Humans are capable of love too. It is just that there are those that set a bad example of us. Those evil people in the world that are the real monsters."

Angelina then turned to the captain and in a cross voice said, "How could you have turned this lovely woman away."

Captain James said, "I said I was sorry and I did it because...well when I saw her I...I was scared of her. Alright, I admit it, I was scared of her from what I read. I was acting on fear and did what I thought was safe for the crew. That is my ultimate responsibility as captain, to keep my ship and everyone aboard safe."

The others around the table were either shedding some tears or near so. Maleficent's eyes were welling up too. The only one that was composed well was Sir Joseph, but he was fighting it too. He kept a hold on Medusa's free hand and wouldn't let go. Diaval found he had trouble trying to stop his tears from coming like the one time in the castle in Aurora's room. He kept grabbing napkins to wipe his tears. Robin just sat at his small table and he had a tears in his eye but he remained quiet and didn't say a word.

"As I been trying to tell you Captain, sir. I am not a monster despite what I look like on the outside."

"No, you are very attractive, in fact. Your face is very beautiful and you do have such a lovely voice. May I ask how did that come to pass?"

"Thank You, Captain. Well, I didn't always look like this as you all figured out from my story so far," Medusa said and then she raised her hand to Maleficent. "That is where Maleficent came into the picture, but I am getting ahead of myself with my story."

"By all means, continue then," Captain James said.

"After my father died, I grew tired of the raids and wanted them to stop. Being alone now, I feared for my own life. I honed my stone manipulation abilities and expanded on the house my father and I were building. The first thing I did was make all the walls, ceilings and doors out of stone. The doors could only be opened and closed using magic, so there was no way a human could get in. I put out warning signs around the island as to the result of what would happen if they got too close. With those measures in place, the raids did get less and less and I continued to work on the house and discovered that I could be artistic with my stone abilities. But with father gone and no one around things began to get very lonely for me. 185 years passed since my father was killed and during that time I wondered about my purpose in life and why I am here and doomed to live a life alone because of something my mother and her sister did. I wondered what did I do to deserve this kind of life. My heart is different than my mom's. It wants to love and it wants to be loved. I don't think I am meant to be alone."

Once again another wave of tears overcame Angelina and she said, "Alone for 185 years, that's horrible!You are coming home now my dear, you will be with those that will love you and care about you. You don't have to live alone anymore."

Sir Joseph was struggling to maintain his composure but then he said, "Fellas, this is difficult for me to say, I know I may come off as a big strong guy, but I do have feelings and at times become emotional too," He faced Medusa and took her hands and continued, "But in the short time I have known you, I have grown very fond of you and I would like to continue to get to know you better. Tonight I have seen how big of a heart you have and I will try my best to show you and give you the love that you deserve but have been denied for so long. I will try my best to give you years that will be very memorable for you, to perhaps make up for some of those lonely years."

Medusa didn't say anything but she pulled her chair closer to Sir Joseph and he put his arm around her and she whispered to him with tears rolling down her eyes, "Thank you, Joe. That was the most beautiful thing I have heard anyone say to me."

Diaval was still having trouble, swallowing hard and fighting the tears. Maleficent reached her hand around to the back of his neck rubbing it. She too had tears rolling down her cheeks when she turned to Medusa and said, "Well, that settles it then. I have to let you live permanently in Malora."

"What? Really? You mean it?" Medusa exclaimed.

"Medusa, it is not good for someone with your heart and soul to live alone. I don't know how you managed to do so for so long as you have. Besides, I see my master at arms is becoming very enamored with you and I certainly wouldn't want to keep you two apart," Maleficent said.

"Oh, thank you, your excellency, I was so worried that after a short stay at Malora she would have to go back to her home." Sir Joseph said relieved.

"No, I can't do that now. Not after what I been hearing tonight," Maleficent said in a slightly rough voice being driven to tears herself.

"Well, I wasn't completely alone, I have had my snakes to keep me company," she said as she picked up one of the snakes which were all drooping down and looked sad. The one she picked up gave her a little nudge on her cheek, flicked it's tongue out is if kissing her and then it just sat for a while before joining the others.

Medusa continued, "These are my friends and they did get me out of some rough times emotionally, but I can tell you that nothing felt the way I did when Maleficent came into my life yesterday and she completely changed my whole life in one day."

"Oh, and now to answer you question, Captain. Maleficent changed my appearance to the form you see now. I was much uglier than this and looked more like my mom, the creature you initially labeled me to be, but in return for helping Maleficent and Robin, this is what she has done for me. She brought out my human and faerie traits more and suppressed the cursed Gorgon traits and that is also how I gained control over my ability to turn to stone and how I also got this wonderful voice. And that is it, the rest you all know and now here we are."

Captain James spoke up and said a bit choked up himself, "Medusa I...I just didn't know and I am sorry for everything. I jumped to a wrong conclusion without bothering to get to know you. If there is anything you need or want from now and until we get to Ulstead, just let me know and I will make it happen."

"Thank you, Captain," Medusa said in a small voice as Sir Joseph was pulling her still closer to him, she was nearly on top of his lap.

Angelina then said, "You do have a beautiful voice, can you sing, my dear?"

"No, I haven't tried yet with this voice, but I am really not in a mood for a song right now...perhaps when we get to Malora as it sounds like such a nice place, I would be more in the mood then."

"Understood," Angelina said. "Well, I best be cleaning up now my dear. Thank you for sharing such a touching story with us."

Captain James looked up and glanced to the window and said, "Darn! I have to relieve my first officer, it is WAY past his time at the helm. If you will excuse me."

As he started to get up, Sir Joseph noticed that Medusa was staring out of the window, it was late evening and as the sunset lit up the sky with brilliant colors.

"Do you want to sit by the window?" Sir Joseph asked Medusa.

She nodded her head, 'yes' and Sir Joseph excused the both of them from the table as they got up and went over to the daybed by the rear window. Sir Joseph sat down first with one leg up and the other down. Medusa slithered up and rested her back on his chest and he put his arms around her as they looked on out the window.

Captain James was starting up the steps when Maleficent called to him, "Captain, may I have a word?"

"Absolutely, your excellency."

Maleficent met up with the Captain and she pulled him aside on the section of steps that was out of view.

"I'm impressed. You did good back there, finally showing Medusa you are a gentleman after all, and also explaining your actions better. You have shown a marked improvement in your behavior tonight. Keep this up and I will consider that previous incident with Medusa as forgotten, as if it never happened."

"Thank you, your excellency."

"Oh, and that pot pie was wonderful, by the way."

"Thank you again. I am glad you enjoyed it."

"Goodnight Captain."

"And a goodnight to you as well, your excellency."

The captain then darted up the steps nearly tripping again as he did on the voyage out.

Maleficent smiled as she went back down into the dining room to collect Diaval.

Diaval was resting his head on the table still as Angelina was clearing it off. Robin was still there as well sitting at his little table resting up against his arm and wiping his face. When he saw Maleficent approach, he flew up to her and said, "Unbelievable. She is so much like you. The last time I cried like this was when that bastard took your wings."

"Yes, Robin, I certainly can see the parallels between her life and mine, she needs a good friend, and I am going to be there for her. Which is another reason why I want her to stay with us in Malora. She will be safe there. I will make sure of that."

"Well, I am bushed and I had enough for one day. Can't strain myself the first day back now."

Maleficent smiled and chuckled a bit, "Understood, go and get some sleep, Robin, you have done well today and I'm glad that you are back."

"Thank you, lass, it is good to be back. It is good that things are finally turning around and looking up for a change."

"Yes, it is nice for a change"

"Oh...and I am really sorry for barging in on you earlier. In fact I feel very bad about it. I could tell I destroyed a good intimate moment you where sharing with Diaval. As vulgar and dirty minded as I can be, I do have my reservations and doing something like that purposely is even beyond me. I am not that cruel and heartless to make fun at the expense of someone elses intimate moment."

"Well, Robin, that was very well spoken of you and I do accept your apology."

"Well, you know, that I know, that it would be rather daft of me to pull a stunt like...on purpose...knowing very well that it is unwise to piss you off." Robin said comically.

"Again well spoken. I guess my...how do you put it? My 'low boiling point' is quite known around the kingdom by now."

The two burst out laughing.

"Goodnight, lass."

"You have a have a good night too, Robin, " Maleficent said as she then thought to herself, 'This certainly as been a glorious, yet very emotional day.'

Robin started to head for the steps when he turned and said in a loud voice, "Oh, were am I sleeping tonight?"

Sir Joseph then shouted across the room, "You can take my room, Robin. I am going to stay with Medusa tonight."

Robin giggled and said, "Well, then I guess you both have a good night then?"

"Robin that is not what it is that you are thinking. I think she just needs someone to hold her."

Medusa nodded her head, 'yes'.

"Understood, but have a good night anyway," Robin said.

"You too," Sir Joseph said as he waved to Robin and then turned to look out the window with Medusa. She began to nestle further into his arms and she let out a very audible sigh of contentment as she closed her eyes.

Maleficent turned to Robin as he started to fly towards the steps and said, "Are they going to sleep there all night?"

Robin shrugged his shoulders and said, "I guess."

Maleficent shook her head and thought to herself, 'he is going to have some backache in the morning. But, I wouldn't mind Diaval holding me like that by the window'. She let out a contented sigh herself and looked to Diaval.

Diaval looked up as Maleficent approached him. He had heavy tear tracks on his face.

"I don't like this, why is this happening to me? I hope you don't think of me as weak because I cried so much tonight."

"No, Diaval, of course not," Maleficent said as she smiled at his current state. You have a big heart and that is what matters to me the most. That is what I see and what it is that I love about you. And yes, when it comes down to it, you show your strength too. I will never ever forget how you carried me up those steps. You are a very strong gentleman, Diaval. You have done well today, my love," she said softly and then thought for a bit before continuing. "Now, I think it is time to take care of that unfinished business that was interrupted by Robin earlier."

Diaval suddenly perked up and got up from his seat.

"Oh yes, I am very much looking forward to that," Diaval said excitedly.

"As do I. Come now and this time we will lock the door, magically."

The two laughed and then bid Sir Joseph and Medusa a good night. They then walked the steps together to their room.

The next day was bright and sunny out, but a bit brisk and windy. But windy was very good because that would mean the ship would make good time today. Captain James was predicting that if the wind picked up a bit more that they might arrive in Ulstead by dawn the following day.

After breakfast everyone took advantage of the sun and took a turn on the deck. Medusa and Sir Joseph were all the way up front by the prow of the ship.

Maleficent and Diaval joined them.

Medusa seemed to be fascinated with the mermaid figurehead on the ship and creeped up the bowsprit to get a better look. As she inched forward she used her tail to hold on to a deck cleat. She was wearing a rather skimpy jacket in which her arms were bare up to her shoulders. Sir Joseph was leaning on the rail to the right of the bowsprit.

"Careful Medusa! I don't want you to fall!"

"Naw, I am good. I am strong, I can hold on!"

"Yes, I know you are strong, but I don't think that the Captain would appreciate you hanging from the rigging," He said and then urged, "Just please be careful."

"Don't worry, I am fine."

"What is she doing?" Maleficent said taking a position on the rail to the left of the bowsprit.

"She wants to see the figurehead," Sir Joseph said.

"Isn't she cold in that outfit?"

"Last night I told her I like her arms and now she will not cover them up. When she gets too cold she just gives me a nice bear hug for a while and warms back up." Joseph said, "I rub her arms and shoulders and she loves it."

Maleficent smiled and said, "Ah! I see."

Medusa positioned herself well on the bowsprit and hung her head down, the muscles on her shoulders were very noticeable and Diaval took notice as he stood next to Sir Joseph.

"She certainly does have some some strong arms for a woman," Diaval said.

"Yeah, she's amazing looking," Sir Joseph said also taking note of Medusa's arms flexing as she moved them around to keep herself steady.

She looked back at everyone and then yelled over her right shoulder, "Ewww! That is not very pretty for a mermaid. What's it for?"

"Well, it is just a decoration," Sir Joseph said.

Just then a voice came up from behind, "Traditionally a figurehead is used on a ship for good luck, to ward off evil spirits."

Everyone turned to find the captain behind them. He stood with his hands behind his back.

Sir Joseph asked, "Do you believe that?"

"Personally? No, not really. I just look at it as another decoration on a ship. But some of the other men and women on board might."

The captain moved forward and stood next to Maleficent. He leaned over the forward rail and it looked like he was ready to say something to Medusa. He looked and saw how well her tail was tightly wound up around the bowsprit. She glanced over to him.

"Captain, I think I make a better figurehead than your mermaid," she shouted over to him, "Check this out!"

She outstretched her arms and grabbed the bobstays. She arched her back up and looked forward with her eyes closed. Her snakes moved to and fro about her head.

Captain James raised his eyebrows, laughed and then said, "Funny, you are right, you DO make a vast improvement over the mermaid."

Everyone else laughed.

Diaval noticed that Sir Joseph was fixated on Medusa's body, particularly now, as her outstretched arms caused her shoulder muscles to become very pronounced now as they were flexing from her holding on to the bobstays. His eyes also ran down her arched back and down her tail.

"You got it pretty bad, huh?" Diaval said softly trying to be discreet so the others wouldn't hear.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Yeah, it is. But you are not alone, I know the feeling all too well, that is how I noticed you were checking her out."

"Come on back on deck now, Madame," Captain James shouted.

"Oh, its so wonderful being up here. For once I am having so much fun in my life," Medusa said looking around her, "This has to be the best place to be on this ship."

"I am glad you are enjoying yourself, but I just would feel a bit better if you were on deck."

"Aye, Aye Captain," she said as she started to slither back towards the deck.

Sir Joseph gave her a hand on board and she unwound her tail from the deck cleat.

"Wow! That was incredible! You should try it!" She said to Sir Joseph.

"Me? No way, I don't have a tail to hold on like you have."

Medusa laughed.

"You certainly are a strong woman, most of my men would have probably fallen off if they tried that going at this speed," the captain said.

"Yeah, I guess I am built rather well," Medusa said modestly as she swung her arms up and around and flexed her biceps.

Diaval noticed that now Sir Joseph was staring and Medusa picked up on it too and said seductively, "You like that, huh Joe?"

Slightly embarrassed he nodded, 'yes'.

She put her arms back down and slithered closer to Sir Joseph. He put his hands on her arms.

"Sheesh, Medusa, your arms are so cold," he said rubbing her arms.

"Well, lets go inside and you can warm me up."

Everyone laughed.

Captain James then said, "Well, Madame, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't go back up there."

"Yes, Captain." She said with a little pout in her face. She then stood with her arms behind her. Sir Joseph was still rubbing them. She then mumbled, "Killjoy."

Captain James heard what she said. He rolled his eyes and looked to the sky and said, "Look, I don't mean to be a killjoy, but safety aboard ship comes first. But I will tell you what, after lunch, how about you join me at the helm and I will let you steer the ship."

Suddenly Medusa's eyes flew wide open, she swung her arms forward, splayed her fingers out and said, "Really? Can I?"

Everyone looked at the captain as if he suddenly took leave of his senses.

He then said, "Well, she is safer on the helm then on the bowsprit and I will be right there with her."

Maleficent then looked up to the wheel at the first officer and then to Captain James, "I wouldn't mind joining Medusa at the helm, if that is alright with you, Captain. The Legacy has piqued my interest in sailing as well."

"Is that your way of saying you want a turn at the wheel too, your excellency?"

Maleficent just smiled and raised an eyebrow.

"Alright, but just you and Medusa, the bridge is closed to all else."

As everyone went down the steps to below decks, Maleficent stood by the door and as Diaval was the last to go down, she looked to the Captain and mouthed, 'Thank you'.

Captain James smiled and waved saying, "Come, your excellency."

Maleficent followed the captain up the far set of steps that led all the way up to the top of the ship where the helm was. He relieved his first officer put his hand on the wheel and turned to Maleficent and said, "Welcome to the bridge...the helm is yours, your excellency."

"Why thank you, Captain."

Maleficent walked over to the massive wheel which was at least four feet in diameter. She ran her fingers across the edge of the round wooden wheel. She took a hold of the handles and then looked out to the sea in front of her. The captain just looked and watched. He then said, "Look at the compass in front of you."

"Yes"

"Turn the wheel away from the shore very slightly."

Maleficent slightly moved the wheel to the right.

"You can move it much more than that"

"Okay"

Maleficent moved the wheel more and she could see the ship start to turn away from the shoreline.

"Now, look at the compass, you see the needle move?"

"Yes."

"Congratulations, your excellency, you are on a new heading."

Maleficent let out a sigh and for some reason she started to breath heavy seeing how she moved something so big and massive, with a touch of her hands and she didn't use magic to do so. She couldn't help but smile.

"Now, we have to stay on course, you remember where the needle was on the compass?"

"Yes"

"Now move the wheel the other way until the needle is back where it was."

Maleficent moved the wheel again and carefully watched the needle on the compass move until it was back where it was.

"Ok, Captain, it is back where it was."

The captain clapped his hands and said, "There you go, your excellency, you have put us back on course for Ulstead. You have the makings of a good helmsman."

"Thank you, Captain. This is amazing. To be in control of something so massive with just a touch of your hand and not use any kind of magic either."

"You have the look on your face like your friend did when she was up on the bowsprit."

"Well, that was her thrill on this voyage and this is mine," Maleficent said with a large smile on her face.

"I can see that. Uhhh, do you want to stay up here until lunch?"

"Yes, if that is alright with you."

"Well, just keep that needle where it is on the compass. If you see the shoreline come too close then we will have to steer out to sea."

"What is too close?"

"I will still be on deck, I will tell you."

"Okay."

Captain James looked out to sea every so often, but he spent more time watching Maleficent at the wheel.

"Captain?"

"Yes?"

"You are staring at me."

"My apologies, I don't mean it as a stare to make you uncomfortable. I just like to see a beautiful woman at the wheel of a ship as strange as that may sound."

"Oh? Strange? How so?" Maleficent sounded surprised at his remark.

"Well, most captains don't believe a woman could sail a ship. Many think they are even bad luck to have them aboard. Me, I would actually love to find myself a woman that loves the sea. I would marry her and make her my first mate in an heartbeat."

"So, let me get this straight. Most men at sea think women on board is bad luck, but yet they have a figurehead of a woman on the prow and often I have heard the men, you and your father refer to this ship as 'she'," Maleficent pointed out.

"That is an interesting point and I am not fully sure how to answer that one. So my best guess is that being that a ship is referred to as a 'she' the presence of a woman on board would make the ship jealous and mysteriously bad things would happen on board. So yes the ship itself is to be the one and only beautiful lady of the sea."

Maleficent smiled as she kept a watchful eye on the needle.

The Captain continued, "I think too is that sometimes men are at sea for a long time and the female reference stems from wanting to take care of a woman they love. Thinking of the ship as a woman would have the men feel that they have to care for her. And if you believe this or not the fact remains a well taken care of ship will take care of its crew. If the men care for the ship as how they would care for a beautiful woman then all the better."

"That is an interesting concept," Maleficent said and then she thought back to what the captain said earlier.

"You said before you like to see a beautiful woman at the wheel of a ship."

"Yes."

"So, do you see me as a beautiful woman, Captain?"

"Yeeeeahhh...you kind of put on the spot, but I don't let many woman take the helm of a ship, let alone The Legacy. In fact you are the first. I mean, seeing you there so poised and regal at that wheel, I do admit there is some kind of attractive quality you have and it just seems like you belong there."

"It was a simple yes or no question, Captain."

"Okay, I know I am skirting the question. Yeah...yes, you are beautiful."

"Thank You, Captain. That was nice of you to say. Further, I see you do have an open mind after all."

Maleficent looked down at the compass and noticed they were drifting and she adjusted the wheel to get them back on course.

After a few moments of silence, Maleficent said, "It is so peaceful up here."

"Yes, when you have good weather it is very peaceful and relaxing. We lucked out this voyage as the weather was good to us both ways. But when you have bad weather...that is a different story. You find yourself fighting that wheel just to keep the ship on course."

"I could only imagine that and at least I am happy that everything worked out well for you on this trip."

"Well, not everything. That first day out with almost no wind put us a day behind, so it wasn't perfect. But all things considering, yes it was a good voyage."

All of a sudden a sweet sounding voice rang out up to Maleficent from the main deck below.

"Hey! No Fair! I go looking for you and find you up there!"

Maleficent looked down to find Medusa staring back up at her with her hands on her waist.

Captain James went down the stairs and met up with Medusa. Maleficent listened in.

"I'm Sorry Medusa, I just figured it would be better to have you two go separately. I didn't want any distractions by having too many people up by the helm."

"Okay, but you are still going to let me up there too, like you said?"

"Yes, certainly, after lunch as I said. Speaking of which, that should almost be ready soon, so stay below and keep warm."

"Alright."

Medusa dropped her arms to her side and slithered back to the staircase.

Maleficent looked on as she watched Captain James stroll about the deck and check the lines and stays to see if they were secure. He would glance up to Maleficent every now and then.

Maleficent thought to herself. 'I guess I had him wrong and my initial thoughts of him were correct. He doesn't look down to women and even puts his trust in them for important tasks as I can see that in his relationship with Angelina. In addition, I am not a human woman, but a faerie woman and yet, he said I am beautiful. Furthermore, I am up here controlling his wonderful ship... and I just love this!' She looked down to the main deck and sure enough the captain was looking back to her with a smile on is face. He gave her a thumbs up. "And it looks like he is enjoying this too.'

She glanced back down to the compass and made another minor correction in the wheel. Captain James made his way forward and leaned in between the space between the left and right bow rails putting one foot up on the base of the bowsprit and he crossed his arms across his chest. He was leaning perpendicular to the rail so he could just look both ways out to sea and back to her. She said softly to herself, "Don't worry, Captain, your mishap with Medusa is safe with me and so is your ship." She took one hand and ran her fingers along the polished oak wheel and over its brass fittings, she then said, "Ms. Legacy, beautiful lady of the sea."

The Captain was good to his word and allowed Medusa to have a turn at the wheel. She was even at the wheel longer than Maleficent was. The Captain had to assist her with a large bend turn around a peninsula, but she managed and she was overjoyed with her turn at the wheel.

The captain was propped up by the staircase and had some parchment and a piece of graphite which was sharpened to a point and he began draw on the parchment.

Medusa took notice and said, "What are you writing, Captain?"

"Oh, nothing much, just sketching the helm area of the ship for our records."

"So you are an artist then?"

"No, not really, I don't paint, I just like to sketch every now and then. Gives me ideas for making improvements on the ships."

"Oh, that is interesting. Can I see?"

"Well, after I sketch, I go over everything in pen so it stays, then you can take a look."

The captain continued to work on his sketch as he looked back and forth between the helm and out to sea.

Soon Maleficent and Diaval came on deck and noted how good Medusa looked at the wheel. Sir Joseph came out and so did Robin moments later. Sir Joseph pulled Diaval aside and said to him that he didn't know whether Medusa was sexier at the wheel or on the bowsprit. The two had a good laugh.

Maleficent and Robin had a little chat by the port side railing looking out at how the waved propagated from the ship. They were traveling pretty fast again.

Soon some of the men were coming on the main decks as they were through with their lunch. Captain James' first mate came out to relieve him and his jaw dropped. He went up the stairs to meet the captain and said, "Am I seeing things, Captain? You let her steer the ship?"

Sir Joseph and Diaval caught what he said since they were closest and all of a sudden anger filled Sir Joseph's face and he looked over to the stairs with narrow eyes.

Captain James noticed the look on Sir Joseph's face and took control of the situation, "Hank, your voice is carrying, if you have a problem with it, we will discuss this later. But I assure there isn't a problem and I am right here. Now, if you don't mind, I don't want you making a scene and spoiling the trip for our guests."

Sir Joseph and Diaval still looked on as they listened in.

Captain James then called up to Medusa, "Medusa, it's time, my first mate is relieving me."

Medusa put a pout on her face but still held fast to the wheel.

Hank made it obvious that he was displeased by Medusa's presence at the wheel and descended the steps first and stayed by the deck's railing. The Captain went back up the steps and put his hand on the wheel. Medusa looked down to Hank and he wouldn't dare look back up and instead looked out to sea.

"I don't think he likes me, huh?"

"Don't worry about him, what matters to me is if you are having a good time on the ship."

"Oh, yes, Captain, very much so," she said with a smile on her face. She attempted a curtsy and said, " Thank you very much, Sir. Can I come back up here after dinner?"

The captain smiled at her gesture of respect and said, "No, I am sorry, the wind feels like it is going to pick up tonight and it might be too windy and cold for you. I know how you lose heat fast and you would be better off keeping warm inside."

Medusa put a sad look on her face, but she could feel it herself that it was turning brisk out.

"Ok, but I certainly did have a good time up here."

The captain nodded as he took the wheel and kept a stern eye on his first mate.

Medusa started to descend the steps and when she got close to the bottom the captain gave a nod to Sir Joseph and he came over to meet Medusa. Hank didn't dare to look around.

Sir Joseph put his arm around Medusa and right away she started to go on about her experience at the helm, explaining the fun she had with the hard turn and having to turn the wheel over several times demonstrating with her hands and body for him. Immediately Sir Joseph's demeanor changed as he was happy to see that Medusa was very excited about her experience." The two walked over to Maleficent, Diaval and Robin."

Sir Joseph said, "I think it is getting a bit brisk out and she's been out all afternoon, we are going to go below decks."

"Yes, it is a bit cool out, I think I am going to follow you and have Angelina make us up some tea," Maleficent said.

"Ahhh, yes! I could use a spot of tea myself!" Robin exclaimed rubbing his hand together.

As they all started to file down the staircase, Maleficent noticed Diaval lagging behind and raised her hand and put two fingers together and called to him, "Diaval? Are you going to join us?"

"Yes, I will be down a minute."

Diaval didn't want to make it obvious, but something caught his attention that he didn't like. He looked up to the wheel and noticed that Hank was polishing off the wheel with a rag and dared not to look down to the deck.

Captain James was descending the steps when he noticed Diaval looking back up to the helm. He turned around to witness what Diaval was seeing.

"Damn it!" The captain shouted as he stormed back up the stairs., "I just told him not to do anything to embarrass me."

Diaval could barely make out the last part of what he was saying. He continued to look on as the Captain was mincing words with his first mate. He then gave him a slap on the shoulder before going down the steps. Just as the captain was near the bottom of the steps, Hank locked eyes with Diaval. Diaval just raised two fingers to his eyes and then pointed them back at Hank, clearly giving him the indication that he would be watching him. He rested his arms across his chest as he was feeling the cold air himself.

The captain clearly saw Diaval's warning and said, "Diaval, I am sorry you had to see that. I urge to please do not tell the others, especially Maleficent."

Diaval replied in an annoyed voice, "Well, you said you had it under control, Captain. I will take your word for it to make it so. He causes any further trouble, I can't promise to cover for you. As it stands, Sir Joseph looked like he ready to knock is block off. I can't say I blame him, I would be upset too if he did anything like that towards Maleficent."

Captain James shook his head, "I understand, I can see he is very close with Medusa."

Just then the door to the staircase opened up automatically as Robin flew out and said, "Tea is ready, Diaval, Captain."

"Oh, I didn't know it was tea time," The captain looked surprised.

"Maleficent felt cold on deck and wanted some tea to warm up, so we all decided to join her," Robin said.

"Great! I will join you as well then," Captain James said smiling.

After dinner Captain James came down the steps to meet with Maleficent. He slowly came down the steps and caught Diaval's attention and signaled for him to come to the stairs.

The captain then whispered to Diaval, "Oh, I have had a very long talk with Hank and he apologized for his actions and I believe everything should be fine from here on in."

"That's good to know," Diaval said.

The captain then proceed to come the rest of the way done the steps and walked over to Maleficent.

"You wanted to see me, your excellency?"

"Yes, Captain. There as been a change in plan."

Maleficent continued to say that once they arrived in Ulstead, Diaval, Robin and herself would be flying ahead to Malora.

Everyone at the table was shocked at her decision, especially Medusa, but Maleficent reasoned that Queen Aurora was unaware that they were a day out late and flying back to Malora on Diaval's back would only take an hour and compensate for that lost day thus sparing the young queen from the worry. Once back in Malora, she could properly explain to Aurora what happened. After dinner Maleficent had informed Angelina that Diaval, Robin and herself would have an early breakfast right before the ship docked and would immediately take off for Malora after the ship docked. She offered for Sir Joseph and Medusa to use the royal coach on their return back to Malora.

"Well, your excellency if that is your desire then I will make it so. It is just that my father will be disappointed as I am sure he would like to hear the tale of your trip," Captain James said.

"I will apologize to him myself to spare you from that burden."

"Very well then."

After the captain and Maleficent went over the final details on their arrival everyone started to split up for the evening. The captain, himself returned to the helm. Robin turned in early for the night. Sir Joseph and Medusa intended to stay up later as Sir Joseph wanted to tell her more about Malora. Maleficent and Diaval took a cue from Robin and also decided to turn in early.

The next morning the captain wasn't present for breakfast as he was getting preparations underway on deck to enter the canal that lead to the port of Ulstead.

Sir Joseph was up early too, he wanted to assist in getting everyone's baggage and belongings in place to prepare for the final leg back to Malora. He was also going to take Maleficent's and Diaval's things back since they needed to travel as light as possible.

Once they docked they were greeted with a royal fanfare which was lead by King John himself, his wife, Queen Martha was also with him, but she opted to view the return of the Legacy from the comfort of their coach parked on the walkway that ran next to the port.

There were cheers from on board and on the dock as Robin made his appearance first making a clear indication that their trip was a success.

"Good morning, your majesty it is an honor to be present in your beautiful hamlet of Ulstead," Robin bowed before the king.

"Thank you and a pleasant day to you, Robin, it is a pleasure to see you well and back to taking wing again and where is my guest of honor?"

Robin cleared his throat as he then introduced Maleficent and Diaval.

"Good morning your majesty," Maleficent and Diaval bowed.

"Good morning to you Madame Maleficent and Sir Diaval, glad to have you back. I see that you are looking well and your wings in particular are looking radiant."

"Thank you, sire, and you probably know I wasn't feeling myself on the way out."

"Yes, yes. Since you are looking good, I take it you had a good trip and I hope you enjoyed your time on the Legacy."

"Yes, it was very pleasant and the Legacy is grand ship, far exceeding our expectations and needs. I thank you again for going so far out of your way to prepare her for us."

"Splendid! Splendid! Glad to hear of it and it is my pleasure. Anything for my partner in trade," King John said. "Oh! My son Philip has been assisting your queen these past few days. But let's talk about that later on."

Prince James slowly came up from behind Maleficent and Diaval.

"Speaking of my son. James, my boy, how was your journey?"

"It was pretty smooth sailing, Father. A big tough the first day with little to no wind, but the past couple days sure did make up for it on our return trip."

"Yes, I was a bit concerned with the very still air that first night and I did kind of expected you would have an untimely outbound trip."

Prince James moved to his father's side and gave him a hug, his father patting him on the back.

"Yes, Father, the lack of wind did last for nearly a day and set us back a bit on provisions."

"Madame Maleficent," King John said turning to Maleficent. "I take it my boy has served you well on your trip and took care of your needs."

Maleficent, in her peripheral vision, could see Prince James swallow hard, close his eyes and held is breath. She could tell he was sweating it in anticipation for what she had to say.

"He is a fine captain, your majesty, he certainly has exceeded my expectations of those with me at sea."

"Excellent! Excellent! I am glad to hear it. He is our best captain and as you know I don't often let him sail the Legacy without myself aboard. But I know he loves the ship and he knows of my love for it and he is my son, so I know the ship is in good hands."

Prince James let out an audible sigh as he finally released his breath. But he held it again when he saw Maleficent raise her finger, meaning either she was going to add more, or there was a dreaded 'But' coming.

"I would like to add, sire, that your galley staff was more then exceptional and we all enjoyed the food on board. I especially liked the seafood bisque."

The Queen overheard Maleficent's remark and put her hand to her chest, her face began to turn red.

"Ahhhh, that is my beloved's own special recipe," King John said. "Everyone in town loves Martha's soup."

"I also would like to put a good word in for Angelina as her service and hospitality were wonderful on board."

"Thank you, Madame, she is one of our best and been in service with the family for a long time. She came as young cleaning girl helping us when James was just a boy and assisted greatly when Philip was born. She was eventually promoted to kitchen work and became our main cook. I prefer her to be in the castle, but she loves the sea and tries to go out whenever a ship leaves. She even begs for me to put her on the Legacy. Oh, she just loves that ship," The king put his hands up. He then raised a finger and one of servants came to his side. He whispered an instruction and the servant went aboard the ship.

"So where is your Man-at-arms?"

"He is still on board getting our things ready," Maleficent paused and then said, "Your majesty, I brought someone back with me on board to see Malora. She is the woman responsible for saving Robin and also healing me."

"Ahhhh, I take it that she a faerie like yourself?"

"Yes, she is a faerie, but her appearance is radically different from myself."

"Well, I that does explain how she was able to heal Robin and yourself, but how could she be so much more different than you. I mean she can't be so different to be so much as like Ursula the sea witch." He started to laugh.

Maleficent started look worried.

"Father, she isn't kidding...do you remember the stories from that fact and fiction legendary creatures book?"

"Vaguely son, it has been a long time."

"Do you remember the one about Medusa, the woman with snakes for her hair."

"Son, I don't know anymore. With a kingdom to run you can't expect me to remember a child's tale from a book."

"Father, it isn't a tale, she is very much real. She is a real legendary creature."

"Well, she can speak, right?" King John asked

"Very much so, Father, she has a pleasant pleasant voice too."

"Well, then...Maleficent bring her forth. I would like to meet Robin's savior and give her my blessings."

"As you wish, Sire," Maleficent bowed and turned to go back on board. Sir Joseph was on deck getting all the boxes and items they brought with them in order."

"Ahhh, your excellency, it looks like we have everything here and can load these up in the wagons. I am assuming you are going to leave now?"

"King John wants to meet Medusa."

"Oh, OK," Sir Joseph said in a small voice.

"What's the matter?"

"Well, she was intimidated by all the people and doesn't want to come out. She is still in the dining room. Angelina is with her."

Maleficent proceeded to head towards the dining room. Upon reaching the foot of the steps she noticed Medusa and Angelina were talking by one the port side windows. Medusa was hunched down looking out the window.

"Medusa, King John would like to meet you."

"I can't Maleficent, there are too many people out there. I feel so out of place here. I'm scared. What if more of them are like that Hank."

"Well, I will be standing right next to you. Where is the hooded robe I made for you."

"It is still in my room."

"I will get it," Angelina said as she got up and headed for the staircase.

"Come now."

Medusa slithered up close to Maleficent and as they got to the staircase she started to shake, "He's going to think I am a monster."

"That you don't know."

As they ascended the stairs, Angelina came from the other side and handed Medusa her robe. She put it over her.

Medusa put the hood over her head and tried to cover her snakes as much as possible.

As they started up the steps Medusa whispered to Maleficent, "I can't, I'm frightened."

Maleficent looked to Medusa's face and it was hard to imagine such a powerful woman to be so scared, but she recalled how scared she was standing behind that pillar at Medusa's villa when she had no magic. Now Medusa was just as frightened.

"Hold on, my friend, maybe I can talk to King John to break the crowd up or something."

Maleficent went back outside and informed King John that Medusa was very shy and timid and felt uncomfortable coming outside with the large group of people.

"So, she is a very shy one, huh? Ahhh, that is OK, I will go on the ship and meet her then."

"Thank you, your majesty. I am sorry to be an inconvenience, but she is genuinely scared."

"Don't worry about it, I need the exercise anyway. Have her meet me in the dining room."

King John got up and was slowly starting towards the gang plank. Prince James and a couple of his servants were by his side, slowly guiding him to the ship.

Maleficent went ahead and met up with Medusa, "The King wants to meet you in the dining room. It will be only us and him."

"Alright, but please stay close to me Maleficent."

"Sure."

As they ascended the stairwell, Maleficent said, "Let me go ahead and make sure they are ready."

Maleficent went up and then down the staircase that lead to the dining room. King John was sitting at his place at the table and King James was by his side. He was describing Medusa to him. Angelina was also in the room and she took the plant off the table and pulled the chair out of the way on the end to give King John an unobstructed view.

"Is she ready, your excellency?" King John asked.

"I believe so, your majesty."

Maleficent went back to the staircase and went around the corner.

"Ok, we are going to go in."

"Alright," There was sheer fright in her voice. "I never met a king before Maleficent. Please forgive me for being a little frightened."

"All you have to do is present yourself as a proper lady."

Medusa nodded. As they approached the entrance to the dining room Maleficent could hear Medusa's breathing intensify.

"I am not sure I can do this."

"Sure you can," Maleficent said in a soothing voice. "Just be a lady, address him as a royal, be the kind and sweet woman you are."

Maleficent then went ahead. Medusa held on to her hand and gave it it a good squeeze. She leaned up against the wall and closed her eyes as Maleficent proceeded to to enter the dining room.

"Your honor and majesty, King John, I present Madame Medusa."

Maleficent then returned to the stairwell and waved Medusa on.

Medusa slowly slithered down. Maleficent thought it was wise to hold her hand for support.

"Thank you, Maleficent," Maleficent could feel she had a very strong grip on her hand as she slowly slithered down the steps.

Maleficent whispered, "Look regal like you are the most important woman in the world."

Medusa straightened herself up and pulled her shoulders back forcing her breasts more forward.

"Good, you look great," Maleficent said.

As they descended Maleficent could hear Medusa swallow hard she gave her one more bit of advice, "Ok, after you introduce yourself with a proper royal greeting, do not say anything more until spoken to."

"Okay."

As they entered the room and off the last step. King John's eyes widened.

Medusa's mouth quivered a bit but she did stay standing poised. Maleficent nodded to her as she returned to King John side opposite Prince James.

"It is an honor to meet you, your majesty, I am Madame Medusa," Medusa belted out with in surprisingly strong voice. She then bowed before the king and remained in that position for a while.

Maleficent noticed the king had somewhat of a stunned look on face.

Prince James leaned over and asked, "Father are you OK?"

King James leaned to Maleficent and whispered, "You weren't kidding about her being different, she doesn't have legs."

After a while Medusa slowly started to rise not knowing if it was OK to do so or not.

"Arise Madame, and kindly remove your hood."

Maleficent grimaced and gritted her teeth as she realized it was not polite to address royalty wearing something on or over the head, but she was surprised at Medusa's response.

"My apologies, your majesty, I wore the hood for I feared my appearance would be unsettling. I mean you no disrespect."

"Understood. I appreciate the gesture Madame, but I would like to see you."

Medusa slowly pulled her hood down and removed the robe. She was wearing the dress underneath that Maleficent made for her the night she met Sir Joseph. The snakes on her head seemed to be very well behaved and all rested very still on her shoulders. She had a look as if her hair was slicked back. The snakes positioned themselves so that her pointed ears shown through. Between that and the dress she looked very attractive. She tried to maintain her poised look without making it too obvious that her hands were shaking.

King John flinched a bit when he saw the snakes on her head and he stood up and looked her up and down. He whispered almost to himself, "Mary Mother of Goodness."

Maleficent closed her eyes tightly fearing that things were ready to go south from here.

There was a dead silence in the room as all eyes were turned to King John and Medusa.

As he approached closer, she bowed her head and curtsied.

"My, Madame, you certainly are different, but you are very well mannered and have such a stunning face. Very much like Madam Maleficent's."

All of a sudden a bunch of sighs were heard throughout the room, his son being the loudest. King James looked around the room and then turned to his son and said, "James, what on earth was that all about?"

Medusa then exhaled loudly herself and daintily placed her fingers over mouth, "Sorry, your majesty."

"May I ask as to what has happened that you have such an appearance for a lovely women?"

Maleficent put her hand over her mouth as she realized that King John mistakened Medusa's appearance as a result of an unfortunate incident and not being born that way.

More relaxed Medusa placed crossed her hands over one another over her waist and looked more poised than before. She then answered, "Thank You, your majesty, but it is a long story. When your time permits, I would be more than honored to tell it to you."

The King raised his hand to his beard and then said, "Very polite and an extremely lovely voice."

"Thank you, your majesty," Medusa said as she bowed her head again.

Maleficent noticed that she glanced at her over the King's shoulder to her. Maleficent shook her fist in the air and mouthed a 'Yes.'

Suddenly the King shook his head and said, "Oh My! Here I am commenting on your lovely manners and where are mine!"

With that the King put out his hand, and Medusa slowly put her hand out. The king took her hand bent down as a gallant knight would and give it a kiss. Medusa started to breathe heavy.

He released her hand and stood back up and said, "Welcome to Ulstead, Madame Medusa."

All of a sudden the room erupted in cheers. Sir Joseph entered the room clapping himself. He stood next to Medusa and bowed before the King.

"Ahhhh, Madame Maleficent here is your Man at arms. Arise Sir Joseph."

The King looked around and then said, "Am I missing something? Why the clapping?"

Medusa spoke up first and said, "My apologies, your majesty, they are just cheering because you have accepted me as a woman and not labeled me as a monster because of my unique appearance. Some people do not react well to it and it is something I have had to live with for my entire life."

Maleficent suddenly cringed at what Medusa said thinking her remark might be offensive.

King John shook his head, "Understandably so. But I know what a true monster is, and you are no monster in my eyes, Madame. In fact, you seem as if you are from royal blood."

Medusa stood still and started to bite her bottom lips. Her eyes began do well up as said with her voice quavering, "It is an honor to hear that, your majesty, and I appreciate it very much that you welcome me to your kingdom."

A tear rolled down Medusa's cheek and the king took notice and he offered her a handkerchief, saying, "I have a funny feeling that your story isn't going to be an easy one to hear."

She gracefully took it from his hand and said in a small voice, "Thank you, your majesty and you are correct in your assumption."

"Please, Madame, have a seat," King John walked over to the chair that was to his right of his and put his hand on it.

As Medusa took her seat, the King snapped his fingers and Angelina came over and bowed.

"Angelina, would be be so kind and fix us a spot of tea."

"Absolutely, Sire."

"You drink tea, Madame, yes?" The King asked.

"Of course, your majesty," Medusa answered.

The others took their place around the table. Prince James sat next to his father's left, Maleficent sat next to Prince James and Sir Joseph sat next to Medusa. They were sitting close to each other, having been sitting on the same spot but interchanged during the voyage.

"Oh, and Madame, go can go easy on the, 'your majesty'. You don't have to say that after every line."

"I am sorry, your maj...it is a habit as I like to show my respect and be a proper lady."

King John shook his head and said, "I can see you come from the same lineage of faeries as Madame Maleficent here and she is one of the most extraordinary of women I have met."

"Thank you, Sire," Maleficent said.

Angelina came out with cups, saucers and spoons and distributed them amongst every the room.

King John turned back to Medusa and said, "Now, I understand your concern that many of my people might find your appearance unsettling as I know many people do have a natural fear of snakes." He turned to Prince James and gave him a nudge on the arm and said, "Isn't that right,my boy!"

"Father!"

"You should have seen his face as a boy when a harmless garter snake ended up in his play pool," King John said as he made a grimacing look of fright on his face in jest.

Everyone around the table laughed. Medusa in particular laughed the strongest.

"Father...please!"

"Oh alright son. I am sorry. I know, it is not becoming of a gentleman to play on another's fears. It is just a weakness I have that I like to make people laugh." He turned to Medusa and said, "And you, Madame, you have such a lovely laugh indeed."

"Thank you, your ma...Sire."

Just then Angelina came out and poured the tea and set out some sugar and honey on the table.

As everyone was enjoying their tea, King John had a plan in that Medusa would remain on board the Legacy with Angelina and Prince James as he had to wrap things up on the ship anyway. Sir Joseph and his men would prep the wagons and get them ready. By nightfall, Sir Joseph and his men would escort Medusa off the ship and into the royal coach. At that time of day, there would be very few people that would see her.

Sir Joseph did have his concerns about leaving at night as it would be dark and it never was a good idea to go into the forested areas at night. Medusa reassured him that yhey were well protected.

"Don't worry Joe, I mean think about, in terms of creatures, I would be the scariest thing in there."

Maleficent and Sir Joseph began to chuckle as both recalled their encounter with the bandits earlier.

Once everything was settled, Maleficent took the floor and said that she would be returning to Malora immediately with Robin via Diaval as a dragon.

"Oh, I would have loved to take you up to the castle and show you around," King John said with disappointment in his voice.

"I am sorry, your majesty, but we are actually a day behind and Queen Aurora doesn't know that. I wouldn't want her to worry. I already wanted us to be on our way an hour ago," Maleficent said.

King John sighed as he took a sip of his tea, "Very well then, another time."

Maleficent nodded and then said, "I have to thank you both from the bottom of my heart, King John and Prince James. Along with Medusa you have been extraordinarily helpful and generous in your offering to help Robin and myself. I have had a wonderful time aboard the Legacy. She provided us with a good home for the duration of the voyage."

"My pleasure, My pleasure. Yes, I love this ship, she is the most beautiful in the fleet and I wanted you to go in style. The next time you need to take to the sea, she's yours."

"Oh, no, your majesty, that wouldn't be necessary. I am sure it took a massive effort to put a ship this size to sea."

"It is a massive effort indeed, but a ship like the Legacy is worth it. And you are worth it too."

"Thank you, your majesty...for everything."

Back outside of the ship everyone was preparing for the trip back to Malora. It was already early afternoon and Maleficent wanted to get under way. Sir Joseph had the wagons brought around and was loading everything from the ship on board.

Maleficent had changed Diaval into a dragon and he was attracting quite a bit of attention by the docks as many people in Ulstead had never seen a dragon before. Robin was attaching the harness and just making sure no one got too close to him. As a dragon, Diaval was very alert and twitchy and Robin didn't want any 'accidents'. King John was kind to offer a few of his guards to keep people from getting too close to Diaval.

Maleficent ran one more time back onto the ship and down to the dining room. Angelina was keeping Medusa company as Prince James continued to wrap things up on board.

"Well, this is it, my friend. I am off to Malora and I will see you tomorrow. The trip back will be bit slow and plodding, but you will be with Sir Joseph in the couch and it is a grand wagon if I do say so myself. So do enjoy yourselves on the trip," Maleficent said.

"Oh, I hope he finally kisses me. I was hoping he would do so on the voyage as being on this ship has its romantic appeal."

"Really? He hasn't kissed you yet?" Maleficent sounded surprised.

"No, we came so close last night though, he started to kiss up my neck and well, it started to turn me on. He pulled away and apologized for moving too fast. But I want him to move faster."

"A word of advice, Medusa, go with his pace and take it slow. Bond, get to know one another. Slow and steady is the way to go."

"Thank you, Maleficent. I can't wait to see you again in Malora and then I get to finally see your home. You make it sound so beautiful."

"It is very beautiful there, Medusa, you will love it. It will be your home too now."

"Oh, I envy you going back on Diaval. He is such a gentle and majestic creature as a dragon."

"Yes, but even though I could take you back, I think it would slay Sir Joseph to have to take that long trip back home alone without you. I think that it is much better for you two to be together."

Medusa nodded in agreement.

"Maybe he will give you that first kiss along the way."

"Maleficent?"

"Yes?"

Medusa placed her hand on Maleficent's

"Thank you for changing my life and making me beautiful. You have given me a whole new world to live my life in. Whatever you want or need in life, I want you to know I will be there for you always," Medusa said.

"As will I, my friend." Maleficent said.

Maleficent slowly got up and slipped her hand out from under Medusa's. She could feel the weight of her hand increase slightly on top of hers as if not wanting to let her go.

Maleficent got to the staircase when she turned back and saw Medusa slink out of her chair and she had a slightly lost look on her face.

Maleficent then marched right back up to her and said, "Oh, alright!" and put out her arms.

Medusa lit up and threw her arms around Maleficent and held her tight pressing her face up against hers.

All of the snakes perked up and started to nudge Maleficent's face and neck.

"Oh! Wow...tight hug." Maleficent called out. "Need to breathe!"

Medusa then broke the embrace and said, "Thank you, that meant a lot to me."

Maleficent said, "Well, I will see you in Malora then."

Medusa nodded, "Malora tomorrow."

Maleficent turned around and headed back up the stairs and out to the gangway. She bumped into Prince James along the way.

"So you are off now?" he asked.

"Yes."

"You know...Angelina was right, you were the best group of people we had aboard the Legacy and I admit myself that I had a great time having you aboard...I do look forward to another trip with you.

"Thank you, and yes that would be nice." Maleficent said as she smiled.

"Oh and many many thanks for not telling my father."

"You're welcome," Maleficent said as she paused and changed the subject. "So, you had a bad experience with a snake as a boy?"

"Yeah, that's something I do not like to talk about. I am one of the people in this town that doesn't like snakes."

"So that was another reason then."

Prince James nodded, "But I was telling the truth when I said I was looking out for my crew."

"I see that your feelings have changed towards Medusa."

"Yes, because I realized she isn't a monster, but woman...and a rather wonderful one at that."

"It goes to show you, my fine Prince, that you can't judge a book by it's cover. Sometimes the most beautiful people and things in life do not always come in a pretty package."

"I think Medusa is rather pretty."

"That was because you got to know her for the woman she is. You certainly didn't think that way at first."

"Well, maybe one day I will love a woman as wonderful as her or yourself."

"Thank You Prince James, for the kind words, but don't always look at things at face value, there is a woman that is closer to you than you think," Maleficent said as she turned and headed for the gangway.

Prince James looked up and hollered back, "Who?"

Maleficent turned and smiled as she said, "Figure it out, Captain James."

"Oh darn it! Your excellency! Who!"

Maleficent picked up her pace in her march towards Diaval and Robin.

Prince James followed her.

"Oh, come now, you can't leave me this way."

Maleficent climbed up into the harness on Diaval's back and secured herself in. Robin made an adjustment to the back seat of the harness so he can secure himself in for the trip back.

"Maleficent! Please! Don't make me beg,"

"Why not? I like begging."

Prince James clasped his hands together and dropped to his knee and in a begging tone, said "Please tell me, oh great and powerful Maleficent."

"I like the sound of that."

"Well? Who is she?"

"I'll tell you what, if you don't figure it out by the end of the month, I'll tell you."

"One MONTH!" Prince James said in disbelief.

"Diaval, let's go home!"

Diaval stood up and let out a large roar that caught the attention of everyone outside. He felt like showing off and blew a stream of fire into the air. He started to spread his wings.

"You better move or you will end up on your bum again," Maleficent called down to him.

Prince James' eyes widened and he stood up and ran over to where his father and mother was standing. King John began to wave and then said, "James, what the heck were you doing over there? Couldn't you see they are trying to leave?

"Sorry, Father, I was just trying to say farewell to Maleficent."

Martha added, "Indeed, Do you think we want to see our eldest son being trampled on by a dragon?"

"No, Mom."

Maleficent then called out loudly, "Onward Diaval, Full Speed!"

Diaval pumped his wings hard a couple times and he lifted up off the ground. With a couple more flaps he started to move forwards and upwards.

The crowd below began to cheer below and this put Diaval in high spirits. Soon Diaval got up to speed and and started to circle around the ships in the port. He roared back to Maleficent and kept nodding his head.

"Ok Diaval, let's have fun and show off a bit, but keep it safe and do not damage anything, understand?"

Diaval nodded in acknowledgement

"Show off?!," Robin said in an uneasy tone. "Maleficent, how could you say that to him? No!"

"Robin, I think you better hold on to something."

As Diaval coursed over the town he began to pump his wings hard and flew straight up into the air. When he was high over the town he pulled his wings in.

"Oh no! Oh no! No No, Don't dive, Don't dive."

"Relax Robin, go with it," Maleficent said as she closed her eyes when Diaval's forward momentum stopped. He then slowly started to curve and drop back down. As they dropped back down to earth, the town rapidly came up on them.

"Yaaaaaahoooooo!" Maleficent called out.

"Oh, Sugar Honey Iced Tea!" Robin Screamed!

In what seemed like an impossible maneuver, Diaval opened his wings wide and instantly leveled off driving Maleficent and Robin hard into their seats.

Diaval banked hard as he circled the town at speed. He could hear the clapping and cheering below. As he circled he started to blow smoke rings and fly through them. The crowd below roared louder. Diaval then swung out out of the port and then started to climb back up. He then curve around and dove back down over the water skimming it close. He would rock back and forth skimming his wing tips on the water. As they pulled back into port Diaval rose up and pulled his wings in as he flew between the two ships that were docked close to each other. Again there were more cheers from below.

"Ok! OK! Can we go home now?" Robin implored.

"Not yet...The Finale." Maleficent grinned.

"Oh no, I am not going to like this one bit!" Robin screamed.

Diaval once pumped his wings hard to get up to speed going straight up.

"No, not again!"

Once again when Diaval was high enough he pulled his wings in and started to drop.

Robin closed his eyes as they began to fall.

"Oh Yeah! Wooooohoooo!" Maleficent called out.

"Damn! Damn! Ahhhhhhhhhh!"

Diaval extended his wings and pulled out of the drop and they were screaming towards the town at full speed.

"Barrel Roll Diaval!"

"No! No! No! Are you out of your mind lass! Not that! Not That!

Diaval let out a huge roar and belched up a huge ring of fire that expanded outward in front of him. He pulled his wings close in and twisted hard to the right. They passed through the fire ring and for a few moments everything got very hot, then Diaval opened up his wings they came to a halt above the town and then Diaval dropped back down and circled the town once more before shooting off away from town. The crowd roared below.

"Oh Diaval. You are so amazing! That was awesome! You make me feel so alive!" Maleficent called out.

"Uhhhhhh Lass, I think you just made me sick!