A warmth spread inside Hazel , the glow of a light which began from the top of her head and fell onto the whole body like sun rays through an oculus .

An epiphany of events trailed across , leaving a sudden burst of new energy within her . She felt like she was free , freer than before , open and never ending . It was like a new born flower opening up , in the first light of spring .

A hollowness overcame her , a feeling that made her think that she was floating in between heaven and earth , an ecstasy that she would never want to let go .

Her mind was limitless , boundary less . She realised how less she knew about it , how less she had thought of its capabilities . Little had she known of its vastness , full of endless possibilities .

But now , she was aware .

She felt Queen Snow White kiss her on the forehead .

She woke up with a sudden jolt .

" What was that ?", asked Amber , to the Queen .

" A state between life and death .A void ...more like a peaceful sleep which has restored her memories back completely . In fact , it has done much more .", said Snow White winking at Hazel .

Hazel smiled at her in turn . " Thank you , Your Majesty ."

" It's no biggie !" , said Snow White , with a casual wave of hand . Before Hazel could say anything else , she was attacked by Amber , who had her in a bone crushing embrace .

Soon after , Cipher feeling left out , joined in , all the three of them together in something between a group huddle and a hug .

" I will kill you , Hazel .",said Amber , " What are you , crazy ?"

"Beyond doubt .", Hazel said , " I missed you too , my drama queen ."

" So Rumplestiltskin did lose eventually .",said the Huntsman .

" How so ?",asked Amber .

" Hazel is the saviour for a reason .",said Cipher .

"Hazel is gifted with a mind of heightened power and abilities , the power of intuition . Taking her memories is virtually impossible ." , the queen explained .

" So even if I would forget , it would only be momentary ." , Hazel concluded .

" And hence we tricked the trickster ; you tricked him , Hazel .",said Cipher , smiling from end to end .

" Well , the imp was overconfident ,wasn't he ? But there are things that are beyond his understanding too . And now that my work is done , I must not delay in setting off ."

" But Princess Snowflake might be here any moment .", said Amber.

Queen Snow White smiled sadly , climbing onto her horse's back .

They bid adieu to her . 

"Beware children ! Looks are deceptive , as are apples .", were the last words of advice from the Queen as she set off . 

****

Amber was walking towards her tent when she felt an arm snake around her waist . She looked to her side , to see the Huntsman .

He grabbed her hand and took her to a secluded corner . He shoved her hair to one side and slowly began kissing her on the neck .

She moved away .

" What's wrong ?", he asked .

" Nothing .", she said , trying to walk away .

He held her back , drawing her closer . She steered away . " No .",she whispered .

" Hey , what's the matter ?" , he asked .

" I..I don't know ." , she said , turning her back to him .

" Guess you are not in the mood , right now . So we'll see each other later ?"

She did not reply .

He was about to walk away , when she said , "You know what ? This ; this is the matter ."

" I don't understand." , he said , beginnings of confusion on his face .

" What is going on between the two of us ? Who am I to you ?", she asked .

" Do you not like this ?",he asked .

" I did . But for how long , Huntsman ? How long do you expect this to go on ? This means ...nothing , to either of us ."

" Why ...why are you talking about this ?",he questioned , beginning to get extremely confused .

"Because it is high time . All we ever do is make out or flirt .Now that I think of it , we have never talked ."

" Are you alright , Amber?" , he said .

" Trust me , out of the two of us , only I am ."

He chuckled .

" And you can't even accept the truth . Huntsman , I saw you when Snow White was here . You looked so tortured , so regretful ...and I saw a side of you that I had never seen before .I don't know what you are , I really don't . I don't know which one of you is real . And I have quit trying to know because you don't want me to ."

" When did I say that ?",he asked , exasperated .

"Some things go understood , without saying .", she said , tears welling up in her eyes .

She continued , " Whatever this is , I can't pursue this anymore . I have a lot of things on my plate , Huntsman . Time is of the essence , and this is just not worth it . Not that it should matter to you . I am a no one to you."

" That is not true , Amber .",he said .

" But it is ." , she stared straight into his eyes , " What are you ? All lies and facades . A mask ,behind a mask , behind a mask .For god's sake , I don't even know your name , Huntsman !"

He stood in silence . 

A few seconds later , he finally asked , " So are you ending this ?"

She wiped the tears that had escaped , despite her trying to hold onto them . " Yes .I am not a detective , Huntsman and I am tired of unravelling mysteries . I have my own problems to solve . Hazel was right , this was a stupid and impulsive mistake . She was right , like she always is ."

He laughed bitterly .

" What is it ?" , she enquired .

" I feel like I don't know you ." , he said .

Amber smiled sadly. " Well ,the thing is , you never did ."

All of a sudden , they heard a loud cry , a shout of pain .

They looked at each other in alarm and together ran towards the source of the sound .

As they reached the open field , they saw Odette standing in the middle of it .

" What happened ?" , asked Amber .

Odette gazed at her for a few minutes , as if in shock and then burst into uncontrollable laughter .

" Tell us , Odette ." , said the Huntsman .

She continued to cackle crazily .

The others came running from all directions .

" Odette , what is going on ?" , asked Hazel , sternly .

Odette stopped laughing . She stared at the ground , expressionless .

Amber's gaze followed hers . Lying amidst the grass , two figures came into view .

Hazel ran ahead and Amber followed .

The moment Amber saw the people on the ground , she closed her eyes shut , not being able to bear the sight .

Hazel fell down onto the ground , tears running down her cheeks , rapidly .

Edyta and Edina lay motionless , holding each other's hands ; a pool of blood , their resting place .

****** 

AUTHOR'S NOTE : 

I feel like all of you are exercising your shovel wielding arms , at the moment and glaring daggers at the last line . Well , I wont dare to sleep tonight . 

I broke Humber up , killed two characters . What else do I deserve ? 

But then , you all love me don't you ? ( I really hope so , for my sake ). 

The only incentive I have for you all is that the next update will be soon . *phew* 

Incognito till the next update, 

Bookworm