Chapter 11

A/N: I am REALLY sorry for not updating earlier, but I have lots of homework and revision to do (and yes, I wasn't bothered in the hols, I am really sorry about that too.) Been to see the Hobbit yet? Do. It's probably me being biased because I am a massive LOTR fan, but really, it is really good!

So enough of that, I'll get on with what you came for, the epic ending parts of Bluebird. Enjoy!

They gazed at the French Alps below and marvelled at its beauty. The majestic mountains, snow-capped peaks, what was there not to like? They had all heard of the amazing Alps, seen pictures, watched it on TV. But nothing beat seeing it in person. It was a shame they couldn't sight-see though; they were here on a matter of urgency.

Forcing themselves away from the breath-taking sight, they scanned the mountains for a mysterious cave, constantly checking against the map on the laptop. This wasn't the most effective way of finding the cave, but with lack of a better option, they stuck to their plan.

Eventually, after hours (or what felt like hours anyway), Marie sighted a peculiar cave. It was well hidden, easy to walk past, but it was there.

'Clyde,' she started, 'Is that cave on your map?'

Clyde double-checked the on-screen map. 'No, it isn't. Do you want to check it out?'

'Sure.' replied Charlie. She then turned to the pilot. 'Where can you land?'

The pilot turned his head. 'I could hover above and drop a ladder. It'll be much quicker.'

Everyone agreed to this plan and soon enough, everyone was standing in the cave, sheltered from the freezing cold and wind.

In front of them lay the cave, and the tunnel leading within. They only had to venture in, and this horrific adventure could be over.

Clyde turned to the rest of the group. 'I'll contact the Constabulary to send the…uh…' he trailed off, everyone staring at Raphael the bluebird and realising how awkward this was. Luckily, he caught on to this and went on ahead with Fondue.

Now with Raphael gone, Clyde carried on. 'So…yeah. We'll put him in the Spring and wait for something to happen.'

'It might take some time.' added Marie. 'Last time took ages, and this will probably take longer.'

'Right.' Replied Clyde, and stood away to radio the Constabulary. The rest of the group carried on through the tunnel, wondering if this was the entrance to the Reversal Spring.

Halfway through the cave tunnel, they heard Raphael's gasp of awe. 'This is it! Look at this!'

This spurred them on even more, encouraging them to run and run faster. They rounded a corner and stopped short, barely believing their eyes. Only now could they believe Raphael and Fondue's excitement and awe.

For the Reversal Spring was in front of them and it was beautiful.

They could hardly believe it; the Spring was real! Was their quest finally over? Would they have a happy ending?

Clyde came in and, after marvelling at the magical sight, beckoned Marie over.

'He's arrived.' he told her. 'They were in the area anyway.'

'Ok.' replied Marie, walking off to tell Raphael the news.

The bluebird turned his head at the sign of approach.

'What is it?' he asked.

Marie smiled. 'You'll be normal again.'

'Well, that's a relief.' he replied. 'The bird thing was getting a bit weird.'

There was silence where the two of them marvelled at this idea, the peace and normality. Then Clyde's footsteps approached and Raphael, seeing who it was, turned back to Marie and said 'I think I'll be off now. It's just really, really weird. But I'll come back, count on it!'

'Ok!' Marie replied as he flew off somewhere else.

A few moments later, Clyde arrived with Phantom R's dead body. Confusion flickered briefly in Marie, understanding how weird it was to be talking to someone then be shockingly reminded that they were technically dead. But this had to be done now to fix everything, and quick, before Napoleon could figure out where they were.

Carefully to not get of the Spring water on him, Clyde laid him into the Spring. Once he was in, Clyde stepped back and waited.

'Like I said before, this will probably take some time. What about Napoleon?' asked Marie.

'Well, we have to hope Napoleon doesn't know where we are.' replied Charlie. 'Our plan for secrecy gets more desperate every second we stay here.'

'Well, Napoleon won't have the resources like ours to get here.' stated Marie. She only half-believed herself though, remembering t he incident on the motorway. Napoleon had gun and a vehicle then, what else could he have?

Charlie voiced her suspicions. 'He has a gun. He has lots of guns. If he has followed us before, he could follow us now.'

An ominous laughter echoed through the cave. The group didn't even have to look to know who it was, and their hearts sunk in despair. What could they do now?

But it wasn't over yet. Using this to counter her fear, Marie looked round and faced Napoleon. 'Why are you here? What do you want with the Spring?'

Napoleon laughed again, looking menacing in the dim light of the cave. 'I thought it would be obvious, girl, but it would seem that it is not so.' He grinned wickedly, and Marie suddenly became afraid to know the answer.

'In life, people naturally die, but if I control this Spring, that will not be a problem. With this Spring, I could be immortal, never ageing. If one of my Chevaliers perishes in battle, he could be brought here. My army would be one to fear!'

He lowered his voice, his eyes searching her as if reading her mind. 'This Spring could make me powerful. You have no idea how important it is.'

There was a long silence. Marie saw that Charlie and Clyde were frozen in shock at the enormity of Napoleon's plan, and Marie was shocked herself too. How could someone be so selfish to use the Reversal Spring like that?

This thought fuelled anger; anger hot enough to melt her fear as she resolved to do something, anything to stop Napoleon achieving his goal.

Marie watched as Napoleon drew his heavily decorated sword from its sheath with one hand while taking his gun out his coat pocket with the other. He quickly checked the gun to see how many bullets were in it, and for a moment, he frowned.

'Only one bullet…' he muttered. Then he looked up at Marie and his menacing smile quickly reformed. 'That doesn't matter.' he continued. 'It will do the job.'

He started to move towards her, pointing the pistol at Marie. Even though there was only one bullet, he was holding his sword, and could easily cut her down with that if he missed the shot. Marie was at a loss of what to do to get out of this mess.

And Raphael's death would mean nothing.

Her eyes dropped to the cave floor and she noticed something. Something that Napoleon had not.

It was a risk, but it might work.

Napoleon started to squeeze the trigger on the pistol. He took another step when suddenly, he foot hit something. He pulled the trigger in his shock and it harmlessly ricocheted around the cave.

Marie smiled as she saw Napoleon trip on her discarded violin case. It had been useful after all!

Before Napoleon could notice, Marie had already ran up to him and taken the sword from his hand. She as now armed and he was not.

Napoleon was mad now. 'Very clever.' He said through clenched teeth. 'But I never carry just one sword.' He quickly drew another. Marie's face paled significantly. She looked around to see Clyde and Charlie were gone. Just as well, as she didn't want them to get hurt.

'You haven't been the first to challenge me,' continued Napoleon. 'and no one has bested me in a duel before. You will not be the first!'

He quickly slashed at her, Marie parrying quickly.

'We'll see about that.' Was her reply.

A/N: Well, I hope you enjoyed that! There may not be another update for a bit, as I need to revise for an important exam, but I have already started on it, so hopefully, it won't take too long! Reviews are welcome for the story, and to those who reviewed thank you! They make me happy!

So, until next time!