He just wanted to breathe. Just. For. A. Moment!

But no. No, of course not. He'd dreamed to have this kind of life. And he'd gotten it. Kind of. Except, he wasn't really physically prepared for it. Sword? Nope, he'd rather have a book. But what was a book against a hundred year old nasty evil faery who was hell bent on killing them rather quickly?

Nothing, really.

"Who are you?" Ella said, her voice quavering.

The faery laughed, her voice soft and melodious.

"Your friend, here knows. I'm surprised, Lucas. You didn't tell anything to your best friend?" She mocked.

"Her name is Maleficent." Lucas said.

Despite his best efforts at sounding brave, his voice came out squeaky. Cora and Ella stared at him, expecting more. He looked at them and rolled his eyes.

"And she's evil. Can't you see!" He said exasperatedly, pointing at the faery.

Maleficent clicked her tongue.

"I've waited for this moment for a long time, Lucas. I knew Stefan would become rather careless as time passes by. And here we are now," she said, spreading her arms out and looking around.

"What do you want?" Cora asked demandingly.

Maleficent gave her one lazy look, and with a flick of her wrist, sent her flying back. Cora hit the wall with a sickening thud, and fell down unconscious. Ella yelped in terror, and rushed towards her. Lucas stayed his ground. There must be something that could help him! Something he'd learned. Nothing came to him. Or nothing useful came to him. Maleficent took a few steps towards him.

"I shall finally have my revenge," she whispered, baring her pearly white teeth.

She raised her staff, but was interrupted with a loud whistle. Maleficent closed her eyes in utter annoyance, and slowly looked over her shoulder. Lucas looked over too. Red stood in the midst of the hole that was once her door way. Lucas' heart sank when he saw her empty handed.

"Why don't you pick on someone your own size, Mal." Red jeered.

Maleficent turned around completely, and glared at her.

"And what match would you be in front of me, alone? And please, unless you wish to die slowly, don't call me Mal." She warned her.

"Oh I'm not alone, Mal. I brought company," she spread her arms out.

For a moment, there was utter silence. Lucas squinted hard, but didn't really see the company Red had brought. Maleficent waited patiently, and then mock laughed. But at that right moment, a pack of wolves, the size of lions, came lunging over at them, snarling dangerously. Maleficent fell backwards, completely shocked. Red laughed heartily as she watched the look on Maleficent's face. Lucas couldn't help but smile.

But the wolves held her back only for a little while. Maleficent screamed in anger, and a blast of green light threw the wolves off of her. The poor wolves ran away, whimpering and cowering. Red's grin faded, and she took a few steps back.

"I told you not to provoke me." She said through gritted teeth.

She took quick strides towards Red, who quickly ran backwards and pulled out a bronze sword from an umbrella holder. Wonderful, Lucas thought. Hiding a sword in an umbrella holder. Red pointed the sword at Maleficent. Maleficent stopped abruptly and raised her hands near her ear.

"My wolves may not have been enough, Maleficent. But you know this will be. You have entered a restricted territory, and caused chaos where it was forbidden. If you wish to live, you best leave before I warn the council of the fae folk. I assure you they won't be happy to hear it," Red warned.

Lucas could barely hold in his excitement. The council of fae folk! It was absolutely real! Ha! Let the courtiers in his palace hear about it. Then they would certainly know who was the actual fool. Maleficent sneered at Red.

"And what makes you think that the council is strong enough to take me down?" She proposed.

Red gave a smile.

"You wouldn't be so cautious at the end of my sword if you were strong enough, dearie. It's best you leave, now." Red challenged.

Maleficent growled, and in a burst of green smoke, vanished. Red exhaled loudly and dropped her sword. Lucas stared at her in awe. One killer woman she was.

"Wow! That was quite intense!" Red exclaimed.

"The council is real?" Lucas asked.

Red looked at him, and slowly nodded. Lucas rubbed his temple, unable to get over the overwhelming feeling.

"This is awesome!" Lucas whispered.

"You seem way too much excited about it. Mind if I ask why?" Red asked, helping a shaken Ella and an unconscious Cora.

Lucas rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly.

"Being a prince who believes in legends and fairytales in a world full of idiots who prefer to believe things they only see, it's a little hard to make sure people don't think you're delusional," he told her.

"There there--go over the chair. Oh, so you're a prince! My apologies, your Majesty," Red replied, directing Ella with a dizzy Cora.

"Uhh, you really don't have to. We've been long past it." Lucas said.

"Why—why on earth was that witch here?" Cora asked, holding her head.

"She said something about Stefan being careless. Lucas, how does she know your father?" Ella asked.

It got Lucas thinking. Maleficent seemed a lot more interested in him than any of the others. But why? He couldn't remember his kingdom to ever have an encounter with a dark faery like Maleficent. She was powerful, and if they did by chance have a little disagreement with her, it wasn't something to be easily forgotten. Besides, he knew everything about his kingdom. He didn't recall anything about it.

All he remembered was reading about a certain faery, who'd corrupted her heart on losing her power to her child. The story said she'd sacrificed her own child to the god Hypnos, to gain the power to curse anyone with eternal slumber. That was one messed up family. But it still didn't really prove anything or answer his doubts.

"I don't know. Except the story of how she corrupted her heart and sacrificed her infant child to the god Hypnos, for the ability to curse anyone to an eternal slumber, I know nothing. And mind you, I know everything about my kingdom's alliances and enemies." He replied.

Red furrowed her brows and nodded.

"Whatever it may be, all you need to know is that she is not friend of yours. Maleficent had never entered this valley since---since she turned dark. It is the first time she has come here since then. You need to know that it's because the prophecy had already been set in motion. It's why you three need to stay and help," Red stated.

"We're staying," Cora answered immediately.

Red sighed.

"Look, Cora. The fate of all the realms rests in your hand. You need to---- wait what?" Red asked.

Ella glanced at Lucas, and nodded.

"We're going to stay and help," she insisted.

Red looked at the trio delightfully. She clapped her hands and stood up.

"Splendid! Well what are we waiting for? Lets get to work!"

____________________

Yes, thank me. Even with so many things keeping me occupied, I updated for my readers.
Ah, kidding. I'm trying to write as quickly as possible because alot of commitments are coming up, and I may not be free until April. Yes, April,2018.

So what'd ya think? Any theories? Why does Maleficent want Lucas? There are so many different versions of the original Sleeping beauty tale. So, I guess you'll have to figure which one I'm about to retell you. ;)

The cast for Maleficent is up in the Starring chapter if you want to give it a look. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

I dedicate this chapter to my dear friend sugarcrystals, because I miss you so much and you are amazing. :')

Do let me know your thoughts in the comments, and vote and share!
Until next time,
Tutz!!