Veronica stared at the metal monster as they travelled backward. It was going impossibly fast for it size. She could see that Balthazar and Dave had noticed it. As fast as they were going it was gaining ground rapidly. If something wasn't done then it was going to catch them, and it was going to do it soon.

"I've got an idea," Dave said.

"Dave, don't-" started Balthazar.

"Come on, just let me try it!" he insisted.

Balthazar slowed the car a little. Dave spread his palm out and closed his eyes. She looked at the metal creature, wondering what on earth her lover's apprentice was trying to do. Then, before her eyes, the metal creature changed. It became smaller and covered in a chipped, green paint. Its progress became jerky.

"A beat-up pinto?" asked Balthazar, impressed, "I didn't know you had such range."

"I wasn't sure it was gonna work," Dave sighed, "I thought I might change our car."

"Yeah, I'd have killed you if that had happened," said Balthazar.

Dave was about to say something else when the world turned upside down. Veronica felt like she was floating for a minute. Time slowed to a crawl. Her hair hovered in the air around her as the car turned upside down. The same happened with Becky, only she had turned her head to avoid glass that was coming from her window.

Time sped up again. The car crashed into the sidewalk and skidded. Broken glass flew everywhere and metal crunched. Her fingers and neck were being cut by something; glass or metal, she didn't know which. Something jarred her as the car ran into something and was pushed forward again.

Then it stopped. Veronica hung suspended by what Becky had called a 'seat belt'. She fumbled with the button and broke loose. The impact when she hit the ground was painful, but she was still alive. Breathing deeply she crawled over to the driver's seat where Balthazar and Dave hung suspended as well.

"Balthazar?" she asked, "Dave?"

In response she only got a groan. They were semi-concious, but alive. Next to her Becky was waking up and breathing hard.

"Are they okay?" asked Becky.

"I think so," Veronica said, "We have to move them quick before-"

Her words were cut off as the car was flipped over again. She fell back into the seat, hitting her head on the door. Forcing herself up she saw Morgan approaching the car, her arms spread out straight and dramatically. Lightning was gathering in them, and a smirk was plastered on her face.

Veronica flung open the car door and stepped outside. Balthazar and Dave were unable to fight. If her love and the future were going to survive then she had to do something. It was more than that though. If Balthazar saw Dave as his son, then he was hers too. And there was Becky, the woman he loved and who had been nothing but kind to her.

She felt warmth from her ring for the first time since she had left the Grimhold. Inside she heard Merlin's voice, telling her if a sorcerer was weak then his magic was weak. She wasn't weak. Pressing both of her palms out she set up a shield just in time to deflect Morgana's plasma bolt. The part of the shield the bolt touched shattered, but Veronica didn't even bat an eye. She had to hold up.

"Becky!" she called, "Get them out of the car!"

Inside the car there were noises. Morgana sent another plasma bolt. Another portion of her shield shattered. This one she struggled to repair. Veronica knew that, even if she had her original powers with her, then she was still weaker than Morgana. Her shield was also more spread out. All in all she didn't have a prayer.

From behind Morgana she saw Horvath walk up. He joined her in attacking her. With a grimace Veronica sent a fire bolt after him, which hit him and knocked him back. She felt no pity for the man who had betrayed her and her love. The man who had claimed to love her had done nothing but that; claimed to love her.

Another portion of her shield shattered. From behind her she saw that Becky had managed to get Dave and Balthazar out of the car. The shield shattered entirely and Veronica was knocked back. She skidded on the cold road, scraping her elbows and arms. With great difficulty she got into a sitting position as Morgana advanced, summoning another plasma bolt.

"Your arrogance was always your defining feature," said Morgana.

An idea came to her, one that she knew would be their salvation. It terrified her though.

"And what was yours?" asked Veronica, "Your body's dying Morgana. You won't live to rule the world. I saw the runes written in the fireplace."

"I am not!" screeched Morgana.

"No, you're right. It's just your body," said Veronica, "Your personality, your soul if you have one, is still intact. If you had a new body then you could live. If it was willingly given, you could probably keep going."

Morgana paused.

"You're offering yourself as a vessel?"

"Veronica!" Becky yelled.

"Yes. If you let them all live, then you can have it," said Veronica, ignoring Becky.

"Rather trusting, aren't you?" asked Morgana.

"Swear it by your magic and I'll trust you," said Veronica.

Even a Morganian couldn't go back on an oath like that.

"Very well," Morgana said, "I swear by my magic that no harm will come to them."

Veronica got to her feet. She went to Becky and hugged her. As she did so she whispered;

"I'll stall her as long as I can. It won't be long. I'm relying on them, on you. And…tell Balthazar I love him."

"But-" protested Becky.

"No buts," Veronica said, "It's the only way."

She let go and walked up to Morgana. Taking a deep breath she held out her hand and Morgana took it, her skin like paper. Out of the corner of her eye saw that Horvath had knocked Becky aside, holding her in place with magic. He was taking the ring off of Dave's finger. In his other hand he held the two halves of the Rising.

Dave groaned and Horvath kicked him.

"I think I've acquired some new jewelry Dave," he said, "It's been ages since I saw this ring up close."

Veronica turned away. She didn't know how things were going to go now that Dave had lost his ring. She had to have faith though.

"You're a fool Veronica," said Morgana.

"We'll see," Veronica replied.

Cold flowed from Morgana's hand into hers. It felt like something was clawing its way up her throat. Veronica closed her eyes against the pain. When she opened them again they were a glowing blue. Morgana looked at Veronica's fingers and the smooth skin that covered them. She gave a satisfied sigh.

"Come Horvath. Leave them," said Morgana, "I made a promise."

She smiled at Becky.

"There will be plenty of time for them later."