Part 4: Power Awakened

 A few months into the New Year, it was a quiet morning in the Symphonus household, everyone sleeping. Percy was now doing remote therapy sessions so needed his rest for his work, and the rest had all stayed up late playing video games, Scout in particular being drained from the night of online play. Nevertheless, Golden was up first, full of childish energy as usual and jumping out of bed, wanting to spend the day playing and learning new spells. She headed downstairs, expecting Yen Sid to greet her, but the only ones up were the broomies, who all shuffled worriedly when they saw her, causing her to try and find out what was wrong. They practically pulled her over to the fridge, where there was a note attached, Golden taking it down and reading it aloud. ‘To my dear apprentices, I’m going out for a while. I’ll be back tonight. Be good and take care of everything, I’ll bring each of you something back! Love Yen Sid.’ The girl raised a suspicious eyebrow, he’d usually tell them if there was a meeting with other sorcerers, but nevertheless she headed into the living room as the brooms got back to sweeping, though they seemed very…off. They were far slower than usual, as if they had a lot on their wooden minds, the little girl gently patting one of them on the back and both of them gazing off into the distance outside the window for a moment. That is, until the youngest apprentice noticed something strange…a raven staring in at her, an evil glint in its eye. Slightly nervous, she moved closer to the window to take a peek, before letting out a frightened gasp. “Diablo!!” she yelled, catching many of the brooms’ attention, who ran over and stared at it too, even without eyes. Maleficent’s raven squawked at them all, flying away in the opposite direction to the house, and Golden felt a sharp pain in her chest, about to call for Yen Sid but then remembering she was gone, though having an awful feeling. She and the brooms dashed upstairs, waking everyone in the family, the brooms actually pulling the covers off everyone and tying them like hero capes, indicating they insisted on going to help the master too. Tiredly, everyone gathered in the workshop, all of them glaring at the brooms for interrupting their sleep, until Golden’s worried voice broke through the grumbles and whines. “Everyone, dad is gone! There was a note on the fridge but…me and the broomies saw Diablo!! You know the raven belonging to Maleficent?!” She crowed, Oswald rolling his eyes. “Golden, I haven’t had coffee. If this is all for nothing I WILL THROW HANDS!” he yelled, one of the broomies putting hands on its hips and shaking side to side disapprovingly. It then rushed into the kitchen and grabbed a mug, before promptly tipping it on Oswald, telling the now soaked bunny off, to his annoyance. He threw his foot at it in response, Golden folding her arms and the dishes quickly appearing with replacement food and cleaning the mess, everyone now able to actually focus on what the little girl was saying.

“We need to go find him! I don’t have a good feeling about this…” she fretted, Starlight flitting down to her shoulder and gently giving her reassurance. “Are you sure you’re not just overthinking?” Julius murmured, Golden pouting at this, arms tightly folded and looking very much like any other frustrated child, which wasn’t helping her case. The broomies did their best attempt at nodding, some putting thumbs up and pointing at her, indicating they believed her, and Percy offering a smile. “Panicking isn’t gonna help anyone, lumen. How about we calm down and work this out together?” he put a hand on her other shoulder, Golden reluctantly nodding, before giggling as he put his hands on her cheeks and stretched her mouth into a silly smile, before gently karate chopping her arms to unfold them, Golden passing him the note. “Ah, I think she’s right. This isn’t good…the Master never just leaves a note, he didn’t ever do this when I was a boy… anyone else sense a kidnapping, or…um, adultnapping?” he turned, the rest of the apprentices looking pretty worried but nodding. It seemed feasible now, but they didn’t like it one bit. “Well, did you see which way Diablo went?” Mickey piped up, Golden running to the window and pointing in the direction. “He went into the forest!” she replied, the others all following the gaze and hoping their dad was safe. Percy took a deep, calm breath, and turned to Scout. “It might be best to contact Sonatina to help us with this.” he offered, Scout nodding and reaching into her pocket for her phone. Meanwhile, Golden was thinking hard- dad couldn’t teleport them, but…her glitch powers could find a pathway! She grinned and turned to everyone, the brooms still decked out in their silly bedsheet capes and giving salutes- they wouldn’t leave their honorary eighth sweeper behind! “Hey everyone…what if I tried to glitch us to dad?” she offered, everyone raising eyebrows in concern, but the brooms nodded. It was the start of a plan, and Yen Sid needed them now, so time to get to work!

“You can’t be serious, can ya?” said Oswald, drinking straight from the coffee machine and calming down as the caffeine kicked in. Scout nodded in agreement with Oswald, not sure if it was a good idea to bring Golden into the fray if villains are involved. “I’m with Os, Golden.” She expressed in concern. “That witch…she’s really dangerous, we’ve faced the likes of her before, it isn’t easy at all, and she's smart I’ll give her that…I don’t know if we are ready for something like this…” Golden felt like protesting, even if she was just a child this was their dad they were talking about, and Golden was not one to leave anyone behind, especially her family. “Scout…” She sighed, balling her fist tightly. “Lumen, she’s right.” said Percy, wanting to calm her and help her rationalise what is happening. “I’ve been prepared for many things but this is not one of them! Nope, I don’t want to face that dark witch’s wrath…not at all!!” Golden could feel tears stinging her eyes as they welled up, thinking every second they argued was a second closer to something happening to Yen Sid. “But…but what about dad?!” she exclaimed, “What are we even supposed to do? What if he gets hurt?! And I didn’t like the way Diablo was looking at me, there was a…a very horrible glint in his eye, and I know that can’t be good! Come on everyone, I’m sure if we all pull through together, she can’t stop us! Right?” Everyone looked at each other once again, seemingly lost in what to do. They wanted to believe if Yen Sid was in danger, he was more than capable of taking care of himself, but was that any reason to leave him to his own devices? It wasn’t; he was one sorcerer, possibly in the hands of many villains if Maleficent decided to get in touch with some old friends…It was a hard situation, and one they couldn’t leave alone right now, something needed to be said, and Julius was the first to stand up. “Well, we have faced some pretty nasty foes in the past, remember that weirdo from Golden’s memories?” He said, Golden feeling a little uplifted at him standing by her. “Yes but…” Percy began fiddling with his sleeves as he thought of Yen Sid being missing, but he had to keep it calm and collected, being the adult in this situation, but the feelings of concern were getting to him too. “The master was there, remember, Julius? It would just be us this time.” Mickey stood up next, looking determined as he took to stand beside Golden, giving her a smile. “I’m with ya Golden!” he told her, surprising the littlest apprentice, who beamed at Mickey’s response. “We can’t just leave him there, we’re his apprentices, and kids! If it was us in trouble, he’d risk everything to save us!” Starlight jumped up, floating in the air before landing on Golden’s shoulder, giving a little wave and a twinkle with her wand. “Mickey’s right!” she cried bravely, “It’ll be alright, we’ll be right by each other, won’t we?” The others stopped to think, with Percy giving a smirk as he and Scout rose to their feet, and Oswald following once he downed his coffee. “What are we? Layabouts?” Percy asked airily. “This is the master, of course we’ve got to rescue him! Alright lumen, I’ll go with you, just to keep you all safe.” Golden smiled widely at his answer, quickly giving him a thankful hug and feeling more confident about rescuing Yen Sid. Scout summoned the muse from the upstairs, stuffing it into her pocket and heading for the back door. “I’ll go get mum, she can help too!” she said, and turned to the boys. “Hey, can you three call Aero? I think we’ll need a lot of backup. In a worse case scenario we can call the council.” Mickey, Oswald and Julius all gave Scout a thumbs up, with the former reaching for his phone in his chest pocket, dialling Aero’s homeline. Before she left, Scout gave one more look to Golden, and a wink to assure her little sister. “Don’t worry Golden, we’ll save dad, and I’ll help protect you, all of you!” Golden waved her off, feeling a huge love and admiration for her big sister. “Thanks Scout! I’m glad I've got all of you to lean on…” She turned to face Percy, and Mickey, Oswald and Julius all gathered around her and gave her a hug. “I’m not letting you face that witch by yourself!” grinned Oswald, shaking Golden’s hair a little too roughly, making it all frizzy. “Aww Ossie! Hehehe…wait, you wanna come too?” Golden noticed the brooms all lining up and looking eager to accompany her, she nodded to them and each of them gave her a high five, the more the merrier for this rescue mission. Scout soon arrived back with Sonatina, who was carrying a bag over her shoulder with a few supplies. “I heard what happened.” she said to the group. “This is really awful, and I’m not letting Yen Sid fall into dangerous hands! I got some things we might need, should it come to a battle…” her voice became a little quieter as she finished her sentence, and everyone agreed but it was a more likely outcome if there was to be a battle coming up. “I hope not.” Golden pleaded in her head, taking hands with everyone as she focused on her teleporting, finding a spot to jump to in the town, which led to the outskirts and the coast. She gave her family a final look, and asked. “Are you all ready?” They nodded, and without hesitating, Golden teleported, it was a much bigger and stronger glitch teleportation this time given the amount of people here, and after jumping from point to point made Golden feel slightly dizzy. 

“Ooooh…” she groaned, her head spinning all over as she almost lost her footing. “Where’s the floor again?” Mum and Scout quickly steadied her, allowing her to fully regain her vision, which was only met by something at the end of the coastal cliffs, a bridge that led to a giant fortress…how long had that been there?! “Eep! That’s ginormous!” squealed Starlight, ducking fast into Golden’s hoodie, Percy couldn’t believe how big it was, probably more so that the council building. He turned on some of his magic, preparing himself for any sudden attack. “Ginormous or no, I’m not letting anything keep Yen Sid prisoner!” A voice called from up above, and the wind picked up suddenly as Aero descended down on a micro tornado she conjured up. “Hey everyone!” she cried, leaping down and landing awkwardly on her foot as she went to greet the gaggle of sorcerers in front of her. “I was on my way to the workshop!” she explained, Star making an appearance by popping up from inside her starry cloak, the one she had been gifted at Christmas. “I saw a flash down here, was that you lot?” Golden woozily put her hand up, smiling sheepishly at her friend. “Yup. Note to self, never teleport so many people on an empty stomach…eurgh!” Julius quickly patted Golden’s back as she felt the after effects of teleportation, Aero soon joining at her side. Over the cliffs and on the shoreline, something caught her eye, a large black ship was anchored by the bridge, beside the fortress. “Hey, is that…Captain Hook’s ship?” Soon the others saw it, and it didn’t surprise them, this is what they were worried about. “So, there are more villains?” asked Oswald. “Hmph, called it! They better not mess with dad.” Mickey stared up at the enormous fortress, gulping a little and feeling nervous. “Aw gee…I hate to think of dad stuck in there, who knows what's happening? And all those villains.” Mum reached down to take his hand, giving him some comfort. “It’s alright dear, we’ll get him out of there in no time. We just need a plan first.” Mickey nodded, starting to get a little more at ease. “Yeah, we can’t just storm in there. Any ideas?” Scout started to brainstorm, the fortress itself looking extremely formidable. “Not sure, not unless we wanna get guillotined…” Percy stepped forward, his magic igniting bigger as he prepared himself for a break in at the villain’s stronghold. “Hmmm…I could probably hold my own against Maleficent, but if Mickey’s right and there’s more than one of them at present, it might not be so easy…” Oswald thought of something, and of course coming from him it would be reckless. “What if we sneak in?” he asked. “Or, split up?” Julius shrank a bit into his hood. “Oh no, I don’t wanna go in there by myself!” he wailed. “Wouldn’t it be better to stay together and just look for Yen Sid? None of us should be alone in that place, especially Golden!” Golden huffed, trying to sound tougher than she seemed. “Hmph, I’m not scared!” she growled defiantly. “And what if we have no choice? What if they are holding dad captive? Oooh if they are I’m gonna beat their as-” Mickey put a finger over her mouth, quickly silencing her. “Now hang fire, Goldie!” he exclaimed. “It’s what we were saying! We can’t just barge in there, we need to plan!” There was no use debating, it was now or never to start planning, it was eventually Scout that spoke up, tugging on her mum’s hand. “I got it!” she cried, “Mum, can you lead us through there? You’re an experienced magic user, I feel like you might know more than us right now.” Starlight agreed happily, zipping out of Golden’s hoodie and onto Sonatina’s shoulder. “Yeah! It was Mum who helped me in the dark realm, without her I would have been really lonely.” Mum smiled sweetly, recalling the time that she and Starlight were together in what felt like such a cold and lonely place, it was nice having each for company, and that they could be reunited together in future. “I won’t let you down my dears.” she said calmly and bravely. “I’ll go forward in that place, and you’ll follow behind, you’ll be my greatest back up crew!” Percy clapped his hands, glad a plan had finally been initiated. “Marvellous!” he beamed brightly. “Right, let’s get ready, and be on guard…whoever comes out of there to face us, well let’s just say they have a few things coming their way…”

In one of the upper chambers of the fortress, a menagerie of villains were seated at a large dining table, most having commuted through the means of Captain Hook’s ship becoming a taxi. Nevertheless, they were all here, awaiting orders from the woman in front of them, who had short black hair and piercing green eyes, a devious smile on her face. “Do you all have your poison?” she cackled, the others chuckling at her joke- to them, poison was just another word for drink. The Evil Queen raised her goblet to her lips, before meeting the other woman’s eyes, giving her a slight smirk. “I believe that was my joke you just stole. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.” she retorted, the young woman rolling her eyes and giving a grin in response, flopping down into a chair and putting her hands behind her head, relaxed as could be. “Bless me barnacles, if this meeting just turns out to be banter between these two sea harpies I best be heading back to my ship!” Captain Hook rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his own drink and giving a nasty look toward the woman in the chair, who merely giggled. A tentacle suddenly snatched the goblet right out of his hand, Ursula giving him a particularly foul glare, before a malicious smile crept onto her lips. “Sea harpy?! I’d watch your tongue if I were you, CAPTAIN. I might just use you in my garden.” she chuckled, promptly pouring the drink on the captain, to which he demanded Smee mop it up. Iago flew down onto the table, folding his feathers. “BLAH BLAH BLAH Less talking more getting straight to the DANG POINT! Every single time we get together it’s all “oh we’re so evil ahahahah”, and then we all topple like a bunch of dominos!!! Even the Tiki Room Takeover went wrong!” he groaned, Jafar putting his arm on the table for Iago to perch on. “Patience, Iago, patience…now…” he turned to the woman in the chair, who gave a slightly flirty wave and wink, the vizier raising an eyebrow. “When you called us together, you seemed rather cheerful. Some diamond in the rough caught your pretty little eye?” he grinned, the woman giving a chuckle. “Haha, charmed my dearest vizier. Indeed, there’s a few things I believe you’ll all find most interesting.” she smiled, before sitting up straight and reaching under the table, pulling out a white staff with a green diamond-shaped tip. There was something particularly magical about it…

“Hello? Hey, what’s going on out there? I swear on all of Rosas if I’m getting moved to the lower dungeons…! It smells awful…ahhh, I’ll kick every star out of the sky when I get out of here!” A man's voice came from inside, surprising everyone, the woman turning the staff to face her and giving a smile, Magnifico being surprised to see her on the other end. Cruella let out a cackle, “a man?! In a STAFF?! HA! Priceless!” she giggled, everyone else giving a laugh of their own at the pickle their fellow villain had found himself in. “I think he will make good use in our plan to thwart those goody two shoe heroes. The forces of evil can never have too many on our side.” the woman smiled, passing the staff between her two hands and twirling it, Magnifico becoming quite dizzy. “Oi you greyscale hag! Explain yourself, or at least let me free!” he yelled from inside, bashing on the tip and making the cutest face he could muster in the situation, even fixing his hair for a moment. The sight made the woman giggle, though she merely rolled her eyes, disinclined to acquiesce to his request. “You’ll be free soon enough, king. Now…” she smiled, raising one hand and a raven fluttering down on it. In a bright flash of green she revealed her true form, the mistress of all evil, and gave a nasty grin. “Diablo, will you fetch our prisoner? And take that annoying parrot with you, he’s too foul-mouthed for my taste.” she grimaced, the raven cawing obediently and leaving, Maleficent sitting down now she was properly out of her illusions. They came in handy, but in the presence of all these villains, there was no need to hide. And the party was only just beginning…

Down in the lower dungeons, Yen Sid was sitting with his arms crossed, his arms stuck to some magical shackles keeping him attached to the wall and limiting his magic. He looked pretty bored, and in all truth he was, expecting for some self-proclaimed hero to walk in any moment, as if rescuing a damsel in distress. The imagining of himself in a dress made him chuckle slightly, though this was interrupted when a raven cawed loudly outside, magic unlocking his cell and Diablo and Iago suddenly flying in, Yen Sid turning his head in slight surprise at the sight. Iago settled on his lap, Yen Sid wishing his hands were free so he could push him off as hard as possible, but alas, Diablo gripped his chains with his beak instead, clearly under the orders of his mistress. “Well who’s this handsome old man attached to a wall?” Iago crowed, batting his eyelashes and Yen Sid giving nothing but a glare in response- he was in no mood for joking around. Diablo began to pull, the old man grunting with effort due to having to stand, wishing he wasn’t so stubbornly silent so he could give them an earful, he knew Percy would jump at the opportunity, he knew a great deal of expletives. Regardless, the old sorcerer rolled his eyes as he was dragged up several flights of stairs, hoping this wouldn’t take long so he could get back to his children. 

“Here we are everyone, today’s special guest…” he long heard the voice of Maleficent before the doors even opened, and stared with a glare at the hordes of villains around the table, from Chernabog to Smee. He couldn’t help but grimace at the thought of why they had captured him- being transported there was not on his to-do list, but he was sat down forcefully by the birds, averting his eyes like a stubborn child. “The one, the only…Yen Sid. Master sorcerer and self-proclaimed “Papasid”, or so it would seem.” Maleficent finished, the villains all stealing glances at the old man, who tried not to meet their eyes. Though he was a sorcerer of many years, he still felt a twinge of fear surrounded by so many foes. He remembered the stoic expression of Master Grey and tried to imitate it, meeting Maleficent’s eyes with a fiery glare, causing her to raise an eyebrow, as if it was a challenge. “Ah yes, a master sorcerer who has been somehow restrained. Not much of a master, then.” the Evil Queen chimed in, everyone chuckled at the joke and then turned back to Yen Sid, who looked positively bored. The lack of insults was killing him, Percy and even someone as young as Golden were all better than these “jokes” combined. He rolled his eyes, before Maleficent stood up, a wicked glint in her eyes. “Let’s begin.”

She brought the staff down, hard, on the ground, a bright green flash enveloping her and everyone having to look away, Chernabog hissing at the light, and then…a man’s laugh, a triumphant, wicked cackle. No longer was it just Maleficent, but Magnifico’s bright green eyes seared through the darkness, his cape illuminated by the dark magic he’d brought upon himself. Twirling his staff in his hands, he grinned at Maleficent, who hid a slight smile, glad he was so enthusiastic to cause mayhem after so long in the staff. She stared at everyone, Pete giving a shy, bumbling wave, Stromboli counting some money in the corner, Coachman messing with his whip…the list went on. She’d summoned the worst, most dangerous villains she could find, and intended to use them all to their limits. Gaston put his feet up on the table, surprising Frollo, who dusted off his shoulder after a little mud flew on it from the man’s boots. Even Forte grimaced at that, not particularly liking the mud. Regardless, the hunter turned to Maleficent, raising an eyebrow. “So, what are we doing here? Just sitting here waiting for the right moment or somethin’?” he smirked- if the townspeople were here they would have burst into laughter due to how EFFORTLESSLY funny he was. Maleficent, though, just gave a smirk. “I thought it was quite obvious. We’re taking control of all the realms, and once we do, we can control everything!” she cackled, Yen Sid raising an eyebrow. 

“What realms?” Magnifico turned to her, Maleficent putting a hand on his shoulder- it wasn’t a warm gesture, it was calculating, but she nevertheless didn’t mind explaining. “All of them. The Fantasia realms, the ones which lie beyond, like the Magical Kingdom or the Fairytale Realm…where dear little Asha lives.” she chuckled, Magnifico raising an eyebrow- so he was eager to get revenge. Cruella frowned, though. “The realms? Surely you can do better than that! Why not go for Kingdom Hearts or something, ha!” she cackled, Maleficent just rolling her eyes. “For that we’d need another, far more powerful person. We don’t have that, so we’ll just make do. And what can a giant floating heart up in the sky do to stop us anyway? Not like it’s down here!” She laughed, everyone else tittering into their hands and Cruella looking a little embarrassed. “Regardless, if we control the realms, we can send the world spiralling into delicious chaos. Everything we’ve ever wanted will be OURS!” she cackled, Yen Sid merely raising an eyebrow. The plan was…improbable. Not impossible, just unlikely. He doubted they’d even get to a realm by the time someone showed up, but merely continued to glare at them all, Pete shrinking slightly when the gaze reached him. Though he hated the boys who were his apprentices, he couldn’t deny he had a certain amount of respect for Yen Sid, though far less than that he held for Maleficent. He practically had heart eyes looking at her!

The Coachman gave a little cough to get everyone’s attention, stretching the whip in his hand. “Hmm, now I think that’s a pretty good plan, Miss. And I’ll bet there is plenty to exploit once it’s ours.” he chuckled, meeting Stromboli’s sinister gaze. Gaston turned around to them, his smug smile making him look as stupid as usual. “Ha, don’t think you’ll get a bargain, you two idiots don’t even have magic!” he laughed, Forte feeling quite irritated at the man’s boasting and sending some green music toward him, hissing down at him. “Neither do you, fool, so how about you diminuendo?” he scowled, Gaston making a face at him as he dispelled the magic. Maleficent couldn’t help but chuckle at the banter, despite everything, she could consider them the closest thing she had to friends, if they weren’t all so bad at their jobs. She cast a slight side-eye to Yen Sid, who met her gaze with a cautious curiosity. “Ahh, but my villains, that’s where HE comes in.” she grinned, Yen Sid still looking a little bored but now seeming more attentive, even a little…afraid? But he couldn’t show weakness in front of his foes, so he clenched his fists and felt his confidence grow, remembering the times he’d watched them fall, just as Iago had said. Like a house of cards, or dominos. “Me?” he challenged, Maleficent smirking, pointing her glowing staff at him, Yen Sid scowling as he had not expected this, not exactly. “You will provide all of those here who lack powerful magic with your own. I believe that hat of yours can do that, Master sorcerer.” she mocked, before taking a swing at it with her staff and making it go askew, Yen Sid looking as if he’d boil over like a kettle. Nobody touched the hat or looked at the beard!

Yen Sid moved his head to right his hat, thinking back. It’s true that he could willingly give the magic inside to someone else, though at the cost that the same magic would need to be returned, else the hat wouldn’t work. And though they had limited amounts of power even without the hats, the power that rested inside their hearts, he wouldn’t have a single defence against these villains without his hat. He sighed slightly, raising his eyes. “And then what?” he raised his eyebrow, Maleficent glaring but bringing her staff away from him, back to her side. “Just one simple task. You will open the realm gateway, give us the muse, and allow us to take over. And if you DARE interfere…” she cackled, Yen Sid’s eyes narrowing at the very thought. The realms were precious, full of life and wonder and magic. He couldn’t imagine the thought of the baby pegasi having to grow up in a world governed by villains, or the residents of Fioritura being condemned to a life of misery. His heart felt heavy at the mere thought, conflict resting in his eyes, and Maleficent smirked at the idea. “I’m certainly looking forward to it. Aren’t you, Chernabog?” she winked, the demon smiling and nodding, Yen Sid rolling his eyes. Just the thing to interrupt his reflection, and it was the mere thought that those two fools should GET A ROOM!! 

Maleficent turned back to him, a malice in her eyes to perfectly match her name, Yen Sid glaring yet again, a scowl appearing on his face. “So then, are you ready? We don’t have all day, and would rather make this quick, if only to give us more playtime~!” she giggled, Yen Sid frowning at her childish way of speaking…almost mockingly. He sighed. “Honestly? I’d rather not assist villains in their own downfall, you’re all pretty incredible at doing that yourselves.” he retorted, LeFou bursting into howls of laughter. “Haha! Gottem!!!” He chortled, before being bonked on the head by Gaston’s huge fist, who scowled down at him. “Shut up you idiot, or I’ll turn you into a snowman again and LEAVE YOU THERE!” he growled, LeFou ducking behind his chair. “Uncivilised.” Forte groaned, despite the fact he’d treated Fife far worse, and yet his hypocritical superiority complex always won. Nevertheless, Maleficent’s grip around her staff tightened in anger. “So, playing difficult are we? Are you sure you want to do that?” She smirked, pacing around the chair he was chained to, much to his annoyance. He may have been the shortest in his childhood, but given the chance he would usually look down on these villains, both in conduct and height! He felt like he was being scolded, and such behaviour was ridiculous in these circumstances. “Why would I not?” Yen Sid replied, a wide grin appearing on Maleficent’s face, it looked almost devilish and alarmed him. “Well…it’s pretty simple. I’ll make it easy for an idiot sorcerer to understand.” she giggled, waving her hand over the tip of her staff, the faces of each apprentice appearing one by one, Yen Sid’s eyes widening in horror and his heart dropping. “To put it extremely simply, if you don’t do as you're told like a good little boy, we’ll crush them all. And…ah, that little one looks easy to pluck.” she smirked, Golden’s face coming into view. Yen Sid’s fists were clenched so hard that they turned white, and he stared up at Maleficent in a mixture of fury and defeat. “Fine. I’ll grant you the realms. Just…don’t hurt my apprentices.” he bargained, Maleficent grinning and turning away, before swiping the hat off his head, putting it atop her own with a devious smile. “Very good then, looks like my empire has begun!” 

Yen Sid gave a shaky sigh, it looked wrong to see that witch with the hat on her head. That hat was a mark of sorcery, of leadership, of everything else the art stood for. And yet here it was, tarnished in the most twisted way possible. He thought back to the day he even got it, that day on his graduation…he and Ambrose had got theirs together, alongside the other four members of their class. Handcrafted by Master Grey, painstakingly…he’d been up all night sewing and embroidering by candlelight, but he wanted to represent the stars that shone so brightly in the young apprentice’s eyes, and the way that he looked at the moon with such fascination…and upon receiving it, he’d sworn an oath to always keep wishing and dreaming, keep believing that the impossible could become possible. That was what he stood for, a marker of possibility and hope for all that came after him, the generations he’d pass his knowledge down to. He looked up at it, and silently apologised for breaking that oath, for what he was about to do…he just hoped they’d understand, and forgive him in time. With a flick of her staff, the chains around Yen Sid disappeared, and he stared up at the hat, raising a hand. “Hat…I command you to transfer your-”

CRASH!!!! An echo throughout the entire room, the cavalry had arrived! Percy, Star and Starlight all zipped through, knocking the hat right off the witch’s head and putting it back on Yen Sid, who stared for a moment in surprise as he registered what had happened, before an amazed smile crossed his face. “Hello there master! Looks like you’re in a pickle!” Percy giggled, Yen Sid shaking his head in pure disbelief that they were there, but thankfulness shining in his eyes. Percy turned into a man, his light coming off him once more as he flared, and he began firing wildly- nobody hurt the master!! Meanwhile, Golden, Mickey and Scout activated a switch cue between them, glowing blue, pink and green respectively as an array of musical targets locked onto different foes. All at once, music spun around them, the three of them taking a deep breath. “LEAVE DAD ALONE!!”

Oswald sailed through the air, dodging Forte’s music and shocking various villains with his electricity, whilst the ever-nimble Julius sent music flying everywhere, going against Smee and managing to send the man flying, though with a quiet apology after tripping him. Smee just winked, Julius burrowing a bit into his robes and continuing to strike those in front of him, not wishing to harm but to clear the path, he wanted to be with Yen Sid! Mum and Starlight had teamed up, Starlight summoning an array of dream creatures from the imaginations of children all over the world, the broomies chipping in and tripping Stromboli with a silent cheer, sweeping the man up and trying to grab all the coins he’d dropped before he could, running away with piles of money they then used as projectiles. Mum clapped once, summoning a beautiful, shining unicorn, Percy’s eyes going wide in amazement at the display of magic, and Starlight following with a trail of stars, aimed at the Evil Queen, who looked like she wanted to crush the glowworm in her fists. Mickey grinned as he moved closer to Maleficent with each attack, who continued to dodge but was shocked at how he’d grown as a sorcerer, the little mouse confidently closing the gap between them. “Ha HA!! You really thought you could defeat us and take over the realms?! You’ve severely underestimated the Symphonus family, Maleficent!” he grinned, Maleficent actually wincing slightly as a punch cue hit her, gripping her staff tight as possible. “You little…AGH! CHERNABOG!!” She yelled, the demon growling and slamming his hand down into the ground, the floor cracking beneath them and everyone jumping away from the chasms opening, the ground raising as if… “Bald mountain…?!” Mum gasped, but this was impossible- that was in the Hollow! Nevertheless, it was a mountain, and she was determined not to be defeated by the god who ruled it. She brought Starlight close to her, the broomies huddling together and holding onto the table, several of them tripping the villains intentionally to make them lose their balance in the earthquake. Golden was holding onto Scout and Mickey, Oswald had grabbed Julius and was dangling him midair, and Yen Sid was holding Percy, Aero and Star, the group clinging to his chair as the shaking finally stopped, the old sorcerer scowling up at the demon as he let out something that could be described as a laugh, though it was far more like a triumphant bellow.

“You rabble haven’t won yet, we WILL take the realms!” Maleficent grinned, pointing her staff at them all in turn as everyone regained their balance, the apprentices bracing for anything. A blue flame appeared next to her, holding a stick of marshmallows, and put them above his head. “Hey toots! Any ideas? I’m sitting here like a marshmallow on fire, just melting away~” Hades grinned, Maleficent glaring at him slightly. “Now would be a great time to…give up?” Gaston scowled, anger flashing in the witch’s eyes at the very idea. “Hold your horses you FOOLS! The realms will open, and I will ensure that happens. No deals, no bargains. And if I have to destroy these puny little children one by one to make it happen, I will.” she threatened, Ursula grinning at the idea of bargains and getting a plot of her own. She shot her tentacles toward the bunch suddenly, Yen Sid and Golden luckily activating their teleportation just in time, but…something was not right. Both Aero and Golden’s eyes went wide when they saw just what she’d grabbed, both Star and Starlight trying to squirm free. “Watch the cute plastic face!!” Starlight yelled, writhing and trying to break out, but only being squeezed tighter, much to her frustration. Star was squeaking angrily, trying to pull free, before coming face to face with Magnifico, frowning at him. “Well hello there. Hand it over, NOW!” he yelled, Ursula rolling her eyes and turning back to the girls. “So, what’ll it be, kiddies? If you want them back, then dear old daddy will have to do as he’s told, won’t he?” She cackled, Golden narrowing her eyes. “Just leave them alone, leave everyone alone!” She yelled, Aero giving a firm nod of agreement and gently putting a hand on her shoulder to encourage her, though the little eight year old was trembling slightly. Yen Sid stepped forward, though, to everyone’s surprise. “I will. Just let them go. This is on me, and nobody else.” he spoke, surprisingly calm despite everything. Ursula rolled her eyes and just increased the pressure, Yen Sid’s grip on his hat increasing as his anger grew. Magnifico snatched Star from the tentacles and thrust it into his staff, Aero trying to rush him but being stopped by a cold, disapproving look in Yen Sid’s eye, cast down at everyone. Golden ran forward too, clenching her fists. “Dad, you can’t do this!” she insisted, Mickey nodding and sticking to her side, “It’s a mistake, dad!” he replied, Yen Sid sighing and stooping down to their level, running a hand over both of their heads. “I know…I really do, but I can’t let you all get hurt on my watch, what type of father would I be? I promise, I will protect you, at all costs, from whatever happens. It is a consequence of my actions, and my actions alone, and a burden I have to bear.” he finished, raising both palms to the sky like a conductor and slowly moving them outwards, a shimmering gateway appearing because of the muse, revealing a diverse pathway to many realms, some familiar, others unexplored. The villains all cheered at the sight, Magnifico bringing his staff down and increasing the speed, the apprentices shrinking back. 

“What is this?! Witchcraft?” Frollo cried, Magnifico turning with an almost maniacal look on his face, green shimmering in his deranged eyes. “Oh, this is no witchcraft. Before your eyes, I present…THE REALMS!” he crowed, the entire family watching in despair as the worlds became clearer, the worlds they loved and treasured with all their hearts. So many good memories, wonderful times… Mickey turned to see Golden’s head was down, but she looked furious, as if she was burning. She hissed, seething, and suddenly started to glitch, voluntarily, as her fury grew. Teleporting away momentarily, everyone looked around for her, Yen Sid actually losing some of his focus, before Magnifico felt a weight at the end of his staff, which began to glitch in turn. “STOP!” the child cried, managing to pull the entire heavy staff down to the ground, the gateway actually beginning to close. Incensed, Magnifico tried to knock her back as she pulled at it, before Aero shot paint at him from her brush, creating a wall that left Golden holding the staff, the girl putting both hands on the tip and Star being released, flying over to Aero and hiding in her hood, though with happy and relieved squeaks. As the paint barrier fell, Magnifico stared down at the child now left holding his staff, who felt her stomach turn at the thought of what she’d just done. He scowled down at her. “Hand it to me.” he commanded, but she stubbornly shook her head, clutching it tight, to his chagrin. He weighed up his options for a moment, before suddenly grabbing it off her, the two engaged in a push and pull before she was flung to the floor, though she quickly became distracted by something else she spotted- Aero was walking out the door?! She picked herself up and ran after her, before Magnifico was suddenly startled by someone crashing into him, Julius managing to grab the staff off him and throwing it to the brooms, who began a game of piggy-in-the-middle with Magnifico, who looked pretty pathetic being defeated by household appliances!

Golden dashed outside as the fight continued, bright beams of magic being reflected on the walls as she chased Aero. Star had flown out from the trainee godmother’s hood and settled on Golden’s head, the two rushing after Aero as the older girl dashed down the side of the mountain, the younger girl struggling to keep up. “Aero!! Aero, wait!” she panted, before being startled by a familiar cry. “Golden!” Starlight grinned, throwing her tiny arms around the kid, who was amazed she’d freed herself. Star squeaked happily too, glad to see the dream sentry was okay, and they continued after Aero, Starlight explaining she’d slipped free during the commotion and Ursula hadn’t noticed! Her dream creatures were keeping the sea witch pretty busy, after all. They reached the bottom of the mountain, Golden almost tripping on a few loose stones, the trio heading into the nearby forest after Aero, who seemed to be running even faster, Golden out of breath by the time she finally slowed. Though as soon as she did, she swiped around and began trying to shoot thinner from her brush at the smaller girl, who barely dodged in time. “WOAH! Aero, wait! Listen up!” Golden demanded, stamping her foot before noticing the distant look in her friend’s eyes and shivering a little. “You…are…enemy….” she whispered, shooting with her brush once more and managing to hit Golden’s arm- it burned a little but she quickly wiped it off, trying to get Aero’s attention again. “We aren’t your enemies, we’re your friends! You’re being controlled!” she insisted, Star nodding and squeaking frantically. “Aero, please hear us!” Starlight pleaded, though the girl just looked at them with disdain, Golden’s heart sinking. This would be an uphill battle.

After a few more dodges, Aero forcefully pushed Golden to the ground, knocking her away and causing the girl to tumble, Golden shaking her head rapidly before freezing as Aero towered over her, her brush aimed for a final attack. Genuinely terrified, Golden covered her head…

And then she remembered something from a long time ago. Back when she was only six, Aero had visited for the first time, and met her. She’d been babbling to herself and trying to copy some pictures she’d found in books, though they looked more like random scribbles with no semblance of shape. Aero, though, had noticed her attempts to draw, and offered to show her, Golden trying to explain she wanted to draw something specific, the big moon in the book, the one shaped like her heart, but it had confused Aero slightly as it was mainly her babbling. Eventually, she took out her heart to show Aero, who had been amazed this was even possible, but they had done a painting together after that, one that Golden still had on her shelves- two hearts. That was all it took to make something amazing, a dream that came from your heart, a wish that was the most important and valuable…Golden lowered her hands and looked up at Aero, no longer seeing someone frightening, but closing her eyes and hearing instead…hearing the gentle chimes of a music box. She took a deep breath, and looked straight into Aero’s eyes, holding out her hand.

“So I look out at a star, shining brightly…” she smiled, Aero lowering her brush slightly in confusion, Golden trembling slightly as she tried to sing, she was a little off-key due to her fear, but it didn’t matter. She put a shaky fist over her chest, and looked up again. “And I’m begging her to see the way she shines.” she continued, Aero raising an eyebrow in pure confusion, Star and Starlight quietly joining hands as they hovered over Golden, who slowly stood up. “Because I know that if you choose to stand beside me…we’ll create something great with our powers combined!” she grinned, reaching out her hand again for Aero, who blinked as if it was all coming back to her. And then, an explosion of stardust and light from the two stars around them, Aero still remaining in place but looking much calmer, the brightness washing over her as she looked at her little friend. Golden took a deep breath, and gave her widest smile, her heart sparkling in her chest slightly, and grinned. “So I make this wish…! To have something more for us than THIS!” she glowed, Aero’s eyes turning back to normal and the older girl grabbing her hand, the two bursting into relieved, happy laughter. Aero shook her head, as if getting rid of the last of the curse, and rubbed Golden’s head, who beamed up at her. “I've had reservations and expectations, wondering why, wondering if,” Aero reached out to gently take both of Golden's hands in hers, squeezing them gently, and looking intently into her friends eyes. Golden saw her song had reached her, and she smiled sweetly, her heart glowing in her chest as Aero continued her own song to her. “I'm past hiding behind the blinds, I know the truth and so do you,” Aero was now floating up from the stone ground, with Golden following her lead. The magic around them began to light up and shine, as Star and Starlight danced in the dark sky, looking like the most beautiful display of shooting stars in the depths of the universe. “I was once confusing my strengths for my weaknesses. But I know now what I am inside, My heart unwavering, with our wish held close, the way you showed me the first time.” They floated further and further up, Aero using her flight magic to soar through the air, with her best friend by her side. This was their song, the one they learned together long ago, that signified how strong and true their friendship was. Star and Starlight spun around them, hand in hand as they illuminated the two friends. “So we look up at the stars just like us, and resonate with the way they always shine. If knowing there is something out there that’s just like me, our hearts will be aglow with the divine.” Golden and Aero spun in the sky as they pulled each other in for a hug, one they hadn’t had in a long time, with one final burst of magic and stardust from Star and Starlight, they floated back down, their song continuing as they sang the final chorus. “So we make this wish, to have something more for us than this~” They descended, their feet touching the ground with the lightest landing, no longer feeling afraid or out of reach of each other, Golden looked up at Aero, who gave her a friendly wink, and ruffled her head good-naturedly. Star and Starlight floated down too, landing on Aero and Golden’s shoulders respectively as they parted their own little hug, finishing the song along with the two girls. “So we make this wish, as we have so much more to reach than miss.”

Both of them rushed back to the fortress, throwing open the doors and running to the upper floor, where the battle was taking place. The two of them dashed through until reaching a corridor they’d previously passed, one full of doors. They were about to head through the main entrance to the rather explosive dining hall, but then Golden felt something weird, the ground shifting beneath her feet, or was it her that was moving? Something curled around her ankle, and she was dragged away, Aero grabbing her wrist and trying to hold on, but to no avail against whatever had a hold on the kid. “Don’t let go!!” Aero called, Golden clutching her as tightly as possible, before being ripped away and locked in another room, the door disappearing before any of them could reach it. “Golden!! Can you hear me in there?!” Aero called, Golden pressing her ear to the wall since her ankle was now mysteriously free, though for some reason it stung quite a bit. “I’ll be okay! Go help everyone else, I’ll find a way out!!” She called, Aero clenching her fist. “I’m holding you to that!” she replied, before dashing off, starting to fly and raising her paintbrush to aid the ensuing fight. 

Golden began to run to whatever direction she could run to, wherever she was it was dark, and cold…was this a void? She didn’t want to stop and find out, from the depths of the darkness, a sudden appearance made her stop in her tracks in horror. The face of the Coachman. “Going someplace, little girl?” he sneered, Golden stepped back, and slipped on something that made her fall. The door behind had now disappeared, leaving her trapped, and faced with an adversary. “You…you don’t scare me…!” she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper as it shook, another voice giggled behind her, bouncing with an echo, this time it was a woman’s. “Leave me alone!” Golden now shouted, covering her ears to block out the hideous laugh, and yet despite her efforts it still managed to reach her. “Oh contraire, child…” the voice said, looming above the girl’s head. “You SHOULD be scared…in this world, you are nothing, and anything could happen if you so much as make a misstep.” Out of instinct, Golden blasted a small magic spell into the air, sending it hurtling above her in the direction of the voice, but in this darkness it just went on, and on…not even scratching the surfaces of the walls or sky. Golden tried to stand, and in this pictureless world trying to find somewhere she could run to was disorientating. “Stupid girl!” The Coachman sneered, making Golden flinch as if she was being scolded, and dispelled the magic spell she had  conjured. “You believe magic will work here? You don’t even know what this place is, do you?” Golden covered her ears again, she tried to block out the words, and focus on finding the nearest exit, even though she did not know exactly what this place was, she had no intention of finding out, she needed to get back to her family, to everyone. “Just go away…” she whispered in a soft, fearful voice as she tried to press on. She thought of Aero, how she had managed to bring her back to base, she focused deep down in her heart, that she would come and find her too. “Aero…I’m glad for the friendship we have…” she said quietly, her chest glowing with a dim but visible light. “I found you, I know you’ll find me…” The voices from the void were speaking again, in low, inaudible whispers she couldn’t make out, but knew their intentions were malicious, and whatever awaited her was not good. Something was caught in the corner of her eye, something moving, and coloured. She turned swiftly to her right, it was a red curtain…with a rope beneath it to pull on. This felt like an invitation for danger, but not knowing what this was doing here, was it safe? Dangerous? Golden was more than hoping for a miracle, or possibly a door out of this place. She moved close to it, the curtain looked familiar, like the ones from the library at home…she felt a sign, and took hold of the rope, giving it a firm tug to unveil what was behind. What was in front of her came to a big surprise, a mirror… “A mirror…? W-why? How…?” Her hand suddenly felt a burn, forcing her to yelp and let go as the rope burst into flames, as well as the curtain. The mirror on the other hand stayed intact, the glass didn’t even melt. As Golden nursed her hand, she glanced up in terror as her reflection in the mirror hadn’t moved, it was just still, frozen like a statue, its face void of emotion and feeling, until a sudden smirk curled on the lips. “Ahh…it is you.” The reflection spoke, making the hairs on Golden’s neck stand up. “This…can’t be!” she quivered, her eyes fixed on the mirror. “This all looks like some weird nightmare…” The reflection gave a giggle, before the eyes became more alive, a highlight shimmering on the blue that Golden had in hers. “Relax, I know who you are.” it said, lifting its hands slowly in a welcoming gesture. “You’re…the apprentice, the youngest and newest of the great Yen Sid, correct?” It sounded so…sincere, Golden was still suspicious, cautiously approaching the mirror as she used a minor healing spell on her palm. “Yes?” she spoke bluntly. “But…who are you? You’re not just my reflection, and what’s with the fire?!” The reflection snickered and shook its head, as if asked the most dumb and obvious question, which was probably how it felt personally. It opened its eyes again, they looked hollow again, and empty. “You don’t know?” it asked in a sweet voice with a hint of innocence and a child-like manner. “I am you, aren’t I? Or am I what you are supposed to be? Tell me, can’t you see it? Your greatest desire?” The flames calmed, allowing Golden to come closer. What did it mean by desire? She had her wish, that she held onto proudly and tightly. She put her hands over her chest, staring at her reflection as it waited for her answer, why did it look so patient? “My…desire?” she said, her fingers trembling as her heart pounded. “I…you should know. I had what I wanted, what I desired, when I made a wish at Christmas…I’m satisfied with where I am and what I’m doing! What more could I want?” The reflection looked downcast, lowering its head and hands, making Golden feel a twinge of pain as it was like seeing herself in a pitiful state. “You don’t have a desire?” it asked plainly, Golden not fully understanding, but before she could ask, the mirror continued. “Surely there are more things in this life you crave? Becoming a sorcerer, of the utmost power and mastery? Finding new realms or composing songs? Or perhaps…” The flames vanished, the area became darker, and the reflection in the mirror changed, it was still Golden, there was something very different, very off about its appearance. “...you want to save them, and yourself from the pain?” 

Golden’s head began to ache, her eyes starting to strain as her glitching became uncontrollable. Against all odds, she opened her eyes and her heart jumped to her mouth. In the mirror, standing behind her was Mother Gothel, a sharp dagger in her hand, dripping with blood. Gaston, an antler in his large hand, and Golden looking pale and sickly, flowers flourishing in her hair. Maleficent, her staff pointing at Golden’s throat, ready to unleash a spell with the most irreversible consequences, and Magnifico, his hand crushing something with fury, hate, power, all of the negative energy swimming in his eyes as Golden’s reflection looked worse and worse each time, her face covered in claw marks…her family standing behind her with a look of disgust, which then descended into sadness, grief, despair…it was too much for Golden to handle as she grabbed onto the mirror, a look of desperation in her eyes as she pleaded. “PLEASE stop!! That’s enough!!” she shrieked, the images in the mirror slowly fading, back to the original reflection, who’s eyes in turn remained void and lifeless. “I don’t want them to get hurt or…feel pain or sadness…please, I want…I want them to be happy, all of us together!” The reflection’s head rose, now staring hard into Golden’s eyes, as if it was piercing her soul. Golden felt herself unable to move one again. “Is that it?” the mirror asked. “Nothing more than your heart desires?” Golden’s heart was becoming steady, if those she cared for could be safe, and that she’d live a happy, ordinary but magical life despite her past, that was all she wanted, in this current state of mind as she swallowed, her fingertips slipping from the mirror frame. “It is…” she answered, “I want us all…to be happy and live together. Please…?” The mirror transformed her reflection, she was now staring at herself, no magic or weird illusion now clouding the glass, the voice remained however, initiating the final part of the task. “I will grant your desire.” the voice spoke, it was deep, but otherwise gentle, like her dad. “And all of your wishes. Child, sever the heart from your body, and present it to your other self. Your reflection holds nothing but the desires you seek. Now, pay your side of the bargain.” Golden’s hands shook nervously, her heart…of all things as payment. She needed her heart, but maybe, just maybe in the end, this would be worth it. Slowly and gently, she removed her heart, cradling it in her hands like it was the most delicate flower ever plucked from the garden. She held it out, presenting it to the reflection, who began to accept it. But the same kind and little girl that stared back was no longer being gentle too, and instead grabbed the heart, squeezing it and twisting it in her hand as magic overflowed into it. Golden quickly fell to her knees, trying to catch who was coming out from behind the mirror, and was whispering an incantation before she finally closed her eyes, losing consciousness. “You see, my dear…” The Evil Queen chuckled, her cape flowing behind her, and in her other hand, a staff…one belonging to King Magnifico. She traced her fingers over the plating as she held the heart, and placed it firmly into the tip, which started to trap and encase it. “This staff is not only used for capturing stars, but also the most powerful objects, such as yourself, child.” She smirked triumphantly, turning to look at the mirror as several eyes appeared in the glass, the Evil Queen held the heart up like a newly acquired trophy, and signalling to the villains staring back that the job was done. “Ahh, like taking candy from a baby, that was painfully easy, but then again…” She leaned down to grab Golden’s hood, hoisting her unconscious form up and dangling her mockingly, pointing the staff close to her face, and grinning smugly. “What can one expect from someone so foolish as yourself? We might have a use for your body yet…hehehe, oh but the power you hold…Yen Sid won’t see it coming. You’re dismissed, mirror. Thank you for your assistance.”

In the dining hall, Percy was fighting Forte once more. The green music was simple enough to deflect for a man made of pure light, but the problem was that around ten other guys wanted him dead all at once. Forte cackled as he nearly hit the ball of light, who zipped past the reams and swirls of music, “not so easy as the first time, hmm feu?” he giggled, Percy flaring up slightly and deflecting more music, managing to silence Forte for a few seconds as Stromboli threw stuff at him, Hook shooting with his pistol and Gaston swiping at him with a dagger, Percy luckily evading, but the fight was difficult to balance considering it was many people against him. Eventually, he lost his concentration upon trying to evade a particularly well-timed bullet, and was reeled in by the green music, which formed a net and bagged the light man, despite his protests. Forte’s shining eyes glared down at him, Percy feeling a headache growing as the music swirled and surrounded him, reaching into the recesses of his memories, despite the joyous thoughts filling Percy’s head, there was also anxiety, pain, and sorrow. Forte reached deeper and deeper, before letting out a surprised scoff, Percy trying desperately to squirm free but remaining trapped in the net of evil. “Oh, what’s this…?” the organ chortled, Percy flaring up. “Let me go, damn you!” he cried, alerting the others that he was struggling, Scout teleporting toward them and using her music to battle Hook. Forte leaned in very close, Percy shrinking back slightly, and the organ let out a malicious chuckle. “What’s this I see? A little baby in a box? All alone, left by his parents who didn’t want him? Why didn’t you tell me, this is just priceless! An unwanted speck, how hilarious!” he crowed, Percy actually sinking down at the thought. He dared not think about that, but…this BLASTED ORGAN was using it against him! He flared up uncontrollably as Forte continued to laugh about the man’s past, but no longer did he speak. Uncharacteristically, Percy was silent. “I’m not…unwanted.” he faltered, the rest of the villains taking it in and laughing amongst themselves. “Aye, I would have put him to work in my puppet show! He would make me lots of money!” Stromboli chortled, Gaston shaking his head. “A hunting buddy wouldn’t go amiss, I have a fool for my companion.” he grinned, Hook turning. “A cabin boy to scrub the deck!” he finished, blocking Scout, who was scowling. 

“DON’T LISTEN TO THEM, PERCY!!” her yell rang out, the light ball perking up slightly at the sound of his enraged little sister, who had made her way through and used magic to teleport up onto Forte’s pipes, perching there and balancing as she cast a spell to get rid of the net, catching Percy in her arms and giving him a tight hug, the light ball emitting little whimpers and sobs. “Yen Sid, me…all of us, we all love you. Never forget that.” the young girl whispered, Percy processing everything a moment as they sat, perched atop the organ, who was trying to shake them off. “I…Scout….” he sobbed, the girl giving an understanding nod and letting him sit on her shoulder as they teleported down, adamant not to let him be alone. Aero flew in next to them, creating a barrier around them and Percy turned back into a man, both girls embracing him tightly as a few tears spilled down his face. “It’s okay to cry.” Aero smiled, gently wiping away a few of the man’s tears as he took off his glasses and nodded, sniffling, but managing a little smile. “I won’t let all that define me. It…might take time, but I have to keep going.” Percy grinned, both girls taking his hands in their own and Aero lowering the barrier, Star swirling round them in a flurry of stardust, Percy chuckling as the light touched him. Though he had curls and swirls of emotions that were clouding his heart, deep down he was full of love for his family. And that would NEVER change. 

Yen Sid and Mum were holding off Magnifico and Cruella, who were fighting them pretty confidently, though Magnifico’s staff was gone so he was merely blasting them. Maleficent watched as everyone became slower, though, tired out from the constant combat, and could only hope their other plan had succeeded. Nevertheless, she rose above everyone. “Enough playing around. This shall be OUR VICTORY!!” she yelled, green fire encasing her in light as she transformed into an enormous dragon, Chernabog moving alongside her and both of them sneering down at the smaller group of sorcerers, who moved closer together instinctively, all now afraid of the ensuing battle. 

Bracing, Julius turned to the group. “This is real bad! She’s turned into…” he trembled, Scout stepping forward and giving a slightly shaky wink. “A final boss! Come on, it’s like when we play!” she tried, the boys lighting up at the idea. Maleficent breathed fire down at them all, Yen Sid raising his hand to create a shield, and the apprentices scattered, Maleficent lowering a talon and grabbing Mickey in it. “Hey, put me down!! Don’t make me have to whoop ya!” The little apprentice tried, but he was being held fast, Maleficent bringing him up to her eyes and causing the little mouse to shrink slightly. “This time, this is no dream. No power of imagination, hope or wishes is saving you now- you’re through!!” The witch cackled, not noticing someone was flaring up, fists tight and cloak flowing with fury. “Get…your….” she began, seething as she took a deep breath, grabbing a wand in one hand and her trusty paintbrush in the other. She narrowed her eyes. “GET YOUR FILTHY CLAWS OFF HIM!!!” Aero screamed, flying up in a burst of wind as she swung her arm, a giant blast of thinner hitting Maleficent square in the chest, the dragon roaring in fury and screaming in pain, actually dropping Mickey. The mouse tumbled through the air, letting out a frightened squeal, before Aero flew underneath him just in time, grabbing him in her arms and hugging him close. “Gotcha!” she grinned, Mickey giving a relieved smile as his eyes sparkled in amazement at her power. He threw his arms around her properly, the two sharing a hug as they lightly floated down to the ground, Julius and Oswald running over to check if their little bro was okay, Mickey brushing himself off and hugging them both close. “Awww I’m fine, guys! Aero’s really a hero!” he giggled, Aero going a little red as Star nodded, tapping her nose proudly. 

“YOU INSOLENT LITTLE BRAT! HOW DARE YOU STRIKE ME?!” Maleficent yelled, aiming right for Aero with her fire, that is…until she was stopped by an equally enraged yell. A magical Phoenix rose above everything, aflame in orange and blue and letting out a furious cry, one that shook the fortress. “YOU WANT TO TRY THAT AGAIN, MALEFICENT?!” Yen Sid retaliated, crossing his arms and the other villains shrinking as he clenched his fists, preparing to unleash the biggest attack he could. “Oooh, struck a nerve, sorcerer? Have at it! I’ll destroy all of them!” The witch cackled, Yen Sid glaring and continuing to build his power, it was created from the love he held for all of his children. He turned for a second to look at them all, even if a certain someone wasn’t there, and gave a soft smile, the Phoenix’s eyes flashing in determined rage as it flew forward. “Don’t be stupid, you crazy witch! Look at him!” Magnifico yelled, the rest of the villains nodding at the enraged sorcerer, though Maleficent seemed unfazed at the display of the power, fighting fire with fire. “Oh, that looks brutal. She’s gonna die…” Oswald grimaced, Scout nodding. “You’ve made a huge mistake there, Maleficent! Come on guys, let’s show these villains what we’re made of!” She encouraged, everyone firing up their most powerful spells and grinning. Percy stood next to her, Aero putting a hand on his shoulder, and he gave a confident smile. “Right behind you, Master Aero. No more worrying about the past, we’ve got a future to protect, and that time is NOW!” he grinned, everyone firing forward at the remaining villains as the phoenix and dragon battled it out above. 

Chernabog raised his arms, summoning his army of undead legions, harpies and ghouls surrounding the apprentices and screaming in their faces, Julius ducking behind Mum in fright at this. Percy just turned to him, though, and grinned. “Though there’s a lot of darkness, the stars shine brightest then!” he cheered, enhancing his glow to the point it was blinding, Chernabog covering his eyes in anger as his minions scattered, either hiding behind him or disappearing altogether. Despite this, Chernabog roared, sending his hellfire raining down toward them, everyone ducking and dodging. “Wow, he really doesn’t know when to give up, does he?” Percy grimaced, Mum nodding, but coming up with an idea. “I’ve fought him before, let me back you up!” she grinned, summoning her magic and scooping up Percy into a spell, landing him on the back of her majestic unicorn, both shining brightly as beacons to dispel the remaining demons and quell the fire. Meanwhile, Yen Sid’s phoenix streaked around the room, hitting Maleficent with a final burning fire, 4 stars and a moon lighting up around it like celestial guardians. The witch, exhausted, was forced to de-transform, Pete instantly running over to check on her, shrinking back as Yen Sid folded his arms into his robe, a tiny, victorious smirk appearing on his face. Maleficent looked up, a villainous glint in her eye. “You haven’t won yet, old man.” she grinned, Yen Sid raising an eyebrow and watching proudly as the apprentices defeated Chernabog’s attacks, and turned back to her. “I think this fight has turned in our favour.” he smiled, before rushing toward the group, Percy having entangled several villains in binds and giving a funny smirk.

“I certainly didn’t see that coming, Mum, but neither did they!” Percy grinned, Cruella trying to wriggle free, furious. “These binds are hardly fashionable!” She screeched, Hook rolling his eyes. Ursula tried to rip them off with her tentacles, but all their struggling was stopped by a familiar sound- organ music. Percy could have thrown his hat at the noise, he was that tired of Forte, but raised an eyebrow, looking rather ticked off. “Oh, do you feel left out?” he snarled, Forte giving a coy smile. “No, unlike you. My magic is strong, and the past is always wonderful for creating the most solemn, heartbreaking songs. Why don’t you write your own solo?” he grinned nastily, striking the unicorn with his music and Mum stumbling slightly, Yen Sid and Scout rushing to support her. Meanwhile, Forte’s own music once more grabbed Percy, dangling the man high above, reminding Scout of their first fight against the organ. She grabbed Mickey’s hand, the two rushing forward and creating cues to counter the organ’s music, whilst Oswald and Julius focused on maintaining the binds, Aero and Yen Sid working together to try and plan what to do with them, their eyes settling on the muse and a smile stretching across their faces. As Scout and Mickey countered, Forte snarled. “This is not a duet! This is MY VICTORY! What good is this lonely, unwanted child, a speck of light that you all call your “big brother”?! He’s just an unwanted piece of RUBBISH!” he snarled, Scout feeling herself flare as she stared up at the organ, her fists going white from how hard she was clenching them. Mickey watched in wonder as they both began to sparkle, Scout shimmering in gold whilst he shimmered in blue, an array of cues appearing, different to ones they usually summoned, but leading up to Percy. The two grinned and flew into action, creating a song together, harmonising in magic and sound to free their older brother, eventually snapping the binds altogether and once more grabbing Percy, who unleashed a flurry of light, silencing the organ completely and giving a smile. “I may be all that you say, and perhaps more. But I’m also Master Percival Symphonus, and I will WIN!” he grinned, glowing bright as he could and Aero and Yen Sid throwing him the muse, Percy opening the gateway to the light realm, a realm devoid of much other than a bright landscape, a perfect prison. He chuckled to himself, and swept the villains up in a bright flurry of light, conducting them down into the portal, dragging them in and leaving them stranded.

“THIS ISN’T THE LAST TIME YOU SEE ME, LIGHT MAN!” Forte threatened, being pulled down and falling with a clang into the portal, Percy unable to hide a giggle. Pete suddenly grabbed Maleficent, running off with her bridal-style, evading them being pulled in and hoping nobody noticed. Magnifico was dragged in, though he tried to run. “No!!! This isn’t the end! I opened the realms, just let me rule them!!! THIS IS THE THANKS I GET?!” He yelled, his cries being drowned out as he was pulled down. And then the portal closed, Percy dropping to his knees from the effort, everyone rushing over to him in worry, though he had a smile on his face. “Percy?” Scout whispered, touching his shoulder, the man feeling tears building in his eyes as he looked at them all. Yen Sid knelt down and tightly hugged the younger sorcerer, everyone else joining in, and Percy couldn’t help but chuckle despite his sobs. “Thank you all, hehe…without you, I don’t know what I’d do! You’re all the best family I could ever ask for!” he grinned, before his eyes raised up toward the window, where night had now fallen, and a certain star twinkled up in the sky. Percy smiled up at it, thanking her too, and everyone continued the embrace, glad he was okay. “We’re so happy you’re alright, Percy. We love you.” Mum whispered, Percy going a little pink and giving a smile, Scout nodding. “Yep! If you ever wanna chat, I’ll always be here to listen! I think I get you a bit, hehe.” she giggled, Percy giving a nod and silly grin. “Ahhh, I feel so elated!” he laughed, before turning into a light ball and zooming up, playfully crashing into Starlight, who chuckled and rubbed him affectionately, Star joining in the embrace. Everyone stood up, the fortress was far quieter now, though there were a few villains to weasel out, it felt as if they’d won. Aero brushed off her cloak, before turning to the doorway. “We should get outta here! Wait…actually- WHERE’S GOLDEN?!” she shrieked, Oswald facepalming and the brooms all running in worried circles. 

“Dad?” A small voice called out from behind them, twisting round, everyone saw Golden. She was standing still and stiff, Aero almost lost her balance, the last she saw Golden was when she was dragged away, to some kind of…realm, or place. But it seemed like she was unharmed. The brooms all rushed over to her, initiating a group hug that their honorary eighth member had returned, but something was off when she didn’t return the hug. “Golden?” said Scout, who gently began to back the brooms up so they could see Golden, her face wearing a blank expression, Scout could best describe it as numb. Yen Sid rose up, with Mum helping Percy up as well as he clung to her shoulders beside her. “Golden? Are you alright, dear?” Yen Sid asked, his hand reaching out slowly and reluctantly, this didn’t seem right to him, and he didn’t like Scout being too close in case his assumptions were correct. “The battle is over, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Come…come here.” Golden lifted her head to look at him, her eyes were void of the bright, sparkling blue like a summer sky, and instead dull, grey, and devoid of any feeling. Yen Sid felt his stomach drop at seeing his daughter this way, and noticed something in her hand that she was trying to hide in her pocket that was beginning to glow. He recognised the spell and became horrified when he saw the shadow lurking behind her…

“SCOUT! Get back!!” he shouted suddenly, before she could react, Golden’s hand shot up and blasted at her. The spell from her hand shot out like a flash of lightning, and left an explosion and a crater in the ground. The smoke cleared, and everyone spotted Scout and Yen Sid a few feet away, lying on the ground in a daze. “Scout!!” Mum yelled as she rushed to her daughter’s side, Scout was luckily okay, and so was Yen Sid, having teleported them both away just in time. “Woah, time out…” Scout said wearily, being in shock slightly at what just occurred. Her hat fell to the side of her as they landed, so Percy had kindly picked it up and handed it back to her. “Thanks Percy…I’m alright mum, just…what’s going on? Why’s Golden…” Yen Sid shifted and sat up, the brooms all brushing off the dirt from his sleeves with their hands. He placed a hand protectively on Scout’s shoulder, staring in fury at where Golden was, but not at the girl herself. “The Evil Queen…” he growled, who started to cackle as she stepped into the light, standing by Golden like a boss with her minion. “Ahh Yen Sid.” she mused gleefully, giving Golden a nudge with the staff as she smirked down at her. “Always good at picking up clues, weren’t you. Well, beauty over brains has won this round, and I think your little daughter has chosen a new side.” Golden didn’t even react when the Evil Queen nudged her harder, knocking her to her knees. Yen Sid snarled at the scene, getting up too quickly, and weakly stumbling. “Dad! Be careful!” Julius cried, taking the sorcerer’s hand in both of his. A phoenix flame ignited in Yen Sid’s eyes, despite the previous battle leaving him exhausted and weary, he was ready for another fight to protect his youngest from the villains. This situation seemed different, and more difficult in needing to get his daughter away from the queen. “Golden!” Aero cried out, her heart shaken upon seeing her friend under the villain’s influence, how different she looked in appearance and demeanour. “What have you done to her? Hand her over, you wretch!!” The Evil Queen scowled at her lack of respect, and responded with another smack from the staff to Golden. “What have I done?” she sneered, “This child handed herself to me willingly, and this is more than what we need.” Starlight floated forward, glaring angrily at the Evil Queen, and feeling a protective desire to save her closest friend, she tried to fly forward and attack the queen, only to be held back by Star. “How dare you hurt her like that! She’s not something you can take as property!” she shouted, tears brimming in her eyes as she called for Golden. “Golden! It’s Starlight! You know me, right? Please, this isn’t like you!” Golden’s dark, hollow eyes locked onto Starlight, her face perking as she caught the sound of her voice. Golden moved her arms, looking a little more animated, and her face was looking more alert, and very concerning as she began to smile broadly. “Power…” she muttered, her fingers starting to twitch. “This…power…” Scout too tried to step toward her, despite Yen Sid and Mum holding onto her, she could see her little sister wasn’t all there, gazing at Yen Sid’s face, she saw he looked both angry and heartbroken. She frowned, they weren’t going to lose Golden again. “Golden! Snap out of it!” she cried out, “You’re…you’re under control! But…how?” Yen Sid’s ire cooled as he noticed Mickey pulling on his sleeve, the little mouse looked a little pale, “Umm…dad?” he uttered, “When…when the realm opened…and those villains were vanquished…did we miss anyone?” The Evil Queen gave a swish of her cape as she made Golden move forward toward them, a sly smirk etching on her blood red lips. “Clever…” she grinned, “Thought all of us were defeated? While you fools were battling it out with the rest of my crew, I took a little detour out of here, and Golden decided to come with me. You could say I have a way of persuading the young and stupid.” Aero balled her fists, the wind picking up behind as a mini tornado formed from her as her emotions began to overflow. “So that’s what happened…you DIRTY COWARD!!” The queen sneered at Aero, “Hmph, I find your attitude vile and disrespectful. You should know better than to speak to your majesty that way. Perhaps as punishment…” She waved the staff, and Golden jerked up suddenly, the power of this new magic rushing through her veins, the overwhelming sensation causing her to twitch, to feel more alive than she had been before. “Power…” she said, a cackle escaping her throat as a spell began to shimmer with strength in her hands. The bigger it got, the more unhinged she looked. “This power…it is MINE!! Ha ha ha ha ha!! Thought you won, old man?!” she laughed, cracking her to face Yen Sid, who stared dumbfounded at the girl. “It’s not over, YOU HAVEN’T WON YET!! I’ll see to it that today is your end!!” Yen Sid felt a slight pain in his chest, he didn’t want to fight her, but he had to tell himself an honest truth in order to not falter in this fight. “You…” he glared back, his voice soft despite his anger. “You are not my daughter.” Golden rolled her eyes in utmost annoyance, and sighed with exasperation. “What took you so long to figure THAT out? Stupid fool!!” Golden summoned a composition spell, it was bigger than one she had ever used and punching it forward was enough to create a shockwave, sending her flying backwards into the rubble. The spell was out of control, glitching in and out in terrifying patterns, Yen Sid and Mum summoned a barrier spell as quickly as they could, while successfully blocking the spell, it had also destroyed the protective barrier with a single touch. With her weakened, Yen Sid held out his hand, he needed to bind her heart, keep her from attacking or being attacked. But when nothing happened, his fears came true, Golden’s heart couldn’t be restrained with his magic…because it was no longer part of her. “It can’t be true…” he uttered in horror, “What have you done with her heart?” The Evil Queen raised the staff, and Golden slowly got to her feet, her limbs twisting and her face contorting into a horrible smile that glitched and sparked like an electrical current, she was robotic, almost mechanical and like the most demented puppet they laid eyes on. “Golden!! Hey, cut it out!” Oswald cried, he and his brothers shrinking a little behind Yen Sid and clutching at his robes. “It’s creepy ya weirdo!” The Evil Queen giggled quietly, raising an eyebrow at her young, glitching victim. “Oh is it?” she said, with another giggle of malice. “I like her much better this way. Less beautiful than I.” 

Unable to hold back anymore, Scout and Aero charged forth, aiming for the Evil Queen as they summoned a push cue and a gale force wind respectively. Scout punched forward, with Aero throwing the wind in a swirling motion to carry the cue. “That’s enough from you!!” Aero yelled, her face glowing crimson with a determined frown, “Golden, I’ll remember our song! No matter what it takes, I’ll save you! WE’LL save you!!” With a swing of the staff, Golden followed her motions, and the Evil Queen opened a portal in the ground, surprising the girls suddenly and Aero’s foot was caught before she could even react. “Watch your step.” Golden grinned nastily. As Aero was pulled by the force of the portal, Scout reached for her hand, and took it. She was surprised by how strong it was and found herself getting pulled in too. Star zoomed toward them and took Aero’s cloak and tried to pull her out too, but the little creature too was getting dragged inside along with her and Scout. “Star no!!” Aero yelled, “Don’t get pulled in too! Save yourself!” Mum made no hesitation to try and save the girls, she summoned a magical bind, which entwined around her as well as Percy and anchored itself to a nearby block of rubble. The two adults reached Scout, and tried to help her pull Aero out. “Hang on girls!!” Mum cried, but Aero was already half way through, looking horrified as she saw the darkness that awaited on the other side of the hole. “I can’t get out!!” Aero cried out, tears building in her eyes and trying to pull herself up, but it was useless even with Scout and the adults helping her. “YEN SID!! HELP!” Yen Sid brought out the phoenix, and directed it toward the Evil Queen, it shot forward like a fiery aircraft toward the monarch, who remained calm and smirking the entire time, seemingly unafraid of the ginormous spirit aiming her way. “Boys!!” Yen Sid yelled to the three beside, “Get Golden! Hurry!” Oswald took Mickey and Julius’s hands, and started spinning his ears like a propeller, providing some momentum to help them reach their sister. The Evil Queen uttered a silent incantation to the tip of the staff, and Golden glitched away in the blink of an eye. “Ahh! Where’d she go?” Oswald cried, stopping quickly with his brothers skidding to a halt. A blast of fire, the phoenix disappeared as it reached its target, the Evil Queen too was gone. But the boys didn’t know if the bird had attacked her or not, as all that was left was an ember. “Look! There!” Mickey pointed up, on top of a pillar stood the queen, with a now limp Golden under her arm. “Don’t disturb her.” she mocked. “She’s tired, and needs to recharge.” The three of them growled at the Evil Queen furiously, with Oswald hurling his brothers forward into the air as they conjured up spells of water, sending them shooting toward her like jets. The queen casually raised her staff and effectively blocked the liquid as if wielding an invisible shield. “First fire, now water?” She said, “You’d better brush up on your magic, otherwise you’re doomed to fail, like this girl.” She held up Golden by the hood of her shirt, the young child now unconscious and her heart glowing distressfully in the staff, the Evil Queen grinned at the pulsating heart, feeling Golden’s fear and anguish, and lack of ability to escape its prison. “At least you’re useful for something. As for the rest of you…” She directed the staff back down to the ground, Oswald, Mickey and Julius all looked in complete horror as the portal expanded into a wide, seemingly endless void of black. The binding disintegrated along with the rubble, Aero, Star and Scout were pulled as Sonatina lost grip of her daughter’s hand, Percy transformed into light and tried to catch them, but once Yen Sid fell in after them, they all began to separate and lose each other in the darkness. “NO! Not again!” Starlight cried, feeling helpless as she dived in after them. Mickey and Julius were now being pulled in by the force of the void, unable to help Golden now that they had a much bigger problem, Oswald dived back down to try and save his brothers, but they were already too far for him to reach. “GOLDEN!” he shouted, turning around in mid flight as the portal began to shrink and close up in the ground. “Hold on Golden!! We’ll come back for you, I promise!!” With a flash and a puff of black smoke, the portal closed, the void had disappeared. The Evil Queen secured Golden back under her arm, admiring the power of the staff and its ability to control one’s heart, though now she had no use for it- their own magic would be enough to contain it- and thus she left it on the ground. Golden’s heart was especially strong and unique, and the evil monarch thought of the thousands of things she could pull off with such a unique power source. She knew not all the villains had been vanquished by the sorcerers, and it was time to regroup with those remaining. Turning around, she opened her own small portal back to the castle, where two familiar faces were waiting for her. “With the rabble out of the way, I believe it’s time the plan was set in motion.” she said, the portal behind her closing with a small flash that made the wind pick up. “Right, Maleficent?”

The darkness. It’s cold, vast, lonely, and devoid of any life or light. One could say there is nothing to be happy about when all one sees is the purest darkness. Yen Sid opened his eyes, but it made no difference. He was lying on a flat surface, the ground, his arm was achy where he landed on it, and his head was bare of his hat. He reached around to find it, yet felt his efforts waning, and stopped. He sighed deeply, and curled up in a tight sitting position. His apprentices weren’t here, wherever they were, they too were lost in the darkness. And Golden was now in the clutches of evil, and completely at their mercy with her heart taken from her. “Golden…I’m so sorry.” he whispered gravely. “I failed you, and I failed the rest of you, my dear children…I guess this is what I get, isn’t it? I failed as a teacher, a father, a guardian…a sorcerer. I’m sorry Master Grey, Ambrose, even...even you Vidor.” he leaned his forehead against his knees, lost in his thoughts as he continued to feel sorry for himself. A sudden light appeared to his left, and as his eyes adjusted to it, he realised it was his hat…Curious, he watched as it floated toward him, and underneath the brim, holding it up, was Star. The little star gave a squeak as it pushed the hat above its eyes, smiling up at the sorcerer. “Star…” said Yen Sid, beginning to smile a little. “You found my hat, thank you.” He took it gratefully from Star, sitting it back on his head before letting Star sit in the palm of his hands. Yen Sid started to feel a tad better, Star always had a smile on its small face, and its light provided a little warmth and security. He smiled back at Star softly as he gave it a little tickle. “I’m glad I’m not alone now, thank you Star.” he said, beginning to think aloud as an interesting thought came to his head, something he was once told as a boy. “The dark is big and it’s scary, but without it, stars couldn’t shine. When the stars are out, the world is equal in darkness and in light, and we are reminded of ourselves and why we are here.” Star watched him monologue curiously, even doing his little eyebrow look as it hugged its stubby arms around his thumb. “Now that we are together,” Yen Sid continued, “I think you and I ought to find the others, and get out of here. I hope there’s a way, I’d hate to think of my apprentices out here alone. But, maybe it’s possible they ran into each other, like you and I.” Star nodded, shooting up into the air and performing little loop-de-loops as it sprinkled stardust all around, some of it even landing on Yen Sid’s robes, which he brushed off with a good natured chuckle. “Lead the way, little one.” he said, Star began looking around, high and low for a path to traverse. It was hard to determine, even for one little star. Thinking of what to do, Star tapped its chin before suddenly bursting with dust, squeaking cheerfully as it rose up. Once high enough, Star began to emit its own light, creating a large, bright beacon, it was so bright that Yen Sid had to cover his eyes, he never underestimated just what Star was capable of. 

Once the light had started to dim, Star gently came back down, looking a little tired as it landed on Yen Sid’s shoulder. “Well done, Star.” praised the sorcerer, gently petting Star as it let out a sleepy wheeze. In the far distance, another light blinked back, it was small and twinkly, like a star thousands of light years away in the night sky. Yen Sid grinned, immediately recognising the ball of light. “There’s Percy!” he told Star, making his way toward the direction of Percy’s beacon. They started to pick up the pace a little as Percy was beginning to gently flicker out, as if he was losing some strength, it made Yen Sid feel concerned in case Percy had been injured in the fall. Star tapped at his cheek suddenly, pointing to the side in a hurry. “What is it, Star?” asked Yen Sid, and then he felt it, another presence. And then the unforgettable sound of brooms shuffling across the floor. Star jumped up and floated over to the sound, revealing the sight of the brooms, and behind them, Mickey. “Star! Is that you?!” he called, Star gave a cry of joy as it approached Mickey, giving him a playful tap on his nose, the mouse giggled, happy to see another friend was alright, and then he saw the familiar figure of Yen Sid, and promptly ran to him. “Yen Sid!!” he cried, opening his arms as he got nearer, with Yen Sid lowering down to take Mickey into a strong hug, he held Mickey close and protectively, with Star and the brooms moving closer to wrap the two in a big group hug. “Mickey! Thank goodness, I’m glad you’re alright.” he started rubbing Mickey’s head, slowly moving his fingers around his round, silky ears. Mickey giggled as he snuggled against his mentor’s shoulder. “Oh boy, am I glad to see you!” he said, “Oswald and I, and Julius…we were trying to reach each other, along with Aero! But during the fall, we got separated! And I don’t know where they are, but…the brooms helped me! They helped cushion the fall ha-ha!” Yen Sid chuckled warmly, giving the brooms a thankful wink, which made them all bashful and they shuffled around in a silly manner. He then placed a small kiss on Mickey’s forehead as they broke off from the hug, with Star shining a bright, yellow light over them. “I’m glad, son.” he said soothingly. “It’s all gonna be alright now. Percy is close, with any luck, and a bit of starlight, we should all be together soon.” 

Standing back up, Yen Sid carried Mickey in his arms as Star led the way toward Percy, the brooms all began to squabble as they tried to get in front of each other as each wanted to get to him first. Star unleashed another bright beacon, and Percy signalled back, his light bigger and closer than before. “Percy! It’s us!” Yen Sid called, the ball of light looking like it was about to burst as it started to transform, revealing the man himself in a swirl of rainbows and sunbeams. “STAR!! It was you!” Percy cried, rushing toward the group as Star started to float tiredly into his hands. He held his little friend gently and nuzzled his cheek on it’s squishy head. “And dad, Mickey…broom squad!! You’re all here too! Nearly all of us have reunited but…oh Lumen…!” Before he could say anymore, Yen Sid had taken him into a hug, with Mickey joining him and the brooms at their feet. Percy felt the familiar sense of love and warmth from them all and started to tear up. “Oh, you know how much I love hugs!” he sniffed, holding onto his father tightly. “Ever since I was a small, tiny light boy! I swear your hugs are like the warmest bed on a cold, winter night…” Yen Sid and Mickey giggled at how sentimental Percy was being, it was a natural part of his nature, and a demonstration of how pure his heart was. “You’re not wrong Percy!” Mickey laughed, brushing away a tear from Percy’s cheek. “He really does have the best hugs, doesn’t he? No matter what, they always make us feel much better, and so happy!” Yen Sid felt his heart melt, hearing his apprentice talk of him this way, especially after his despair before being found by Star, made him feel less doubtful about himself. He was their father, and he had to play the role, to be their guide, their rock, their protector. He had no desire to break off from that role, as long as they all needed him. “When we get home, I’ll give each of you a hug and I won’t let go until you say so. I promise, we will return safe and sound together once we are out of this mess.”

They all parted from their embrace, and Yen Sid now placed Mickey back down, who was immediately swarmed by the brooms who all wanted to be carried next. Percy watched as Star yawned and twisted in his hands, shaking itself awake and sprinkling dust at him, making the light man sneeze. “Mickey?” said Yen Sid, “You said you were with Julius and Oswald, correct? And Aero should be close too if so. We should press on.” Mickey nodded, taking Yen Sid’s hand as they all started to walk. “Yeah, and Scout, Mum and Starlight too.” 

Star hopped out of Percy’s hand and began to lead them again, now recovered from using its beacon. Percy followed by transforming into light, providing more to see with an extra source of light and illuminating the dark path ahead. They walked on to find themselves by what appeared to be a trench by a hill, the first geographical feature they’d seen in the whole void. It was quite a deep trench, and getting down it wasn’t easy without potentially slipping in. Star and Percy hovered over a small step to slide down, before Percy transformed again to help Yen Sid get down. “Take my hand.” he said, extending one of his to his master who carefully took it, stepping down into the trench with Mickey and brooms following. It was much deeper once inside, and it didn’t look easy to get out of either. “Hope this is the right way.” said Mickey, still holding Yen Sid’s hand tightly. A voice called out from inside the trench, and the owner came flying out to greet them. “Yen Sid!” Starlight cried in relief, flying into his beard and nestling into it, feeling glad they had found each other. “Ah, Starlight.” Yen Sid smiled, petting the gloworm with one finger. “Yes, we are regrouping quite successfully, and are looking for Oswald, Scout, Mum and Aero. Have you seen them?” Starlight suddenly gave him a concerned look, nodding gravely as she floated up. “I’m with Oswald and Aero!” she told them. “But…Aero got hurt! I think she hurt her leg during the fall. They are in the trench too, hurry!” She led them down the trench, it was long and windy as it led further and further toward the hill. This void was so strange, and unlike any realm Yen Sid had been in or discovered, and he was the one who was in charge of keeping tabs on them. They turned a corner, where Starlight made her way to Aero, who was down rubbing her leg, trying to heal it where it was paining her, but she wasn’t having much luck. “If only my luck could help ya, Aero!” Oswald said, who was trying some of his magic too, it was a difficult task in the darkness. But once Starlight had flittered over to them with a smile, the two were relieved to see Yen Sid, Percy, Mickey and Star had arrived, as well as the gaggle of brooms behind them. “Ossie!” Mickey cried, running to his brother and throwing his arms around him, Oswald gave a laugh and lifted Mickey off the ground a little, and almost falling backward. “Good to see ya, Mick!” he said, giving Mickey’s head a quick noogie as he set him down. “Ha-ha! Same to you, Oswald.” chuckled Mickey, he looked over at Aero, who was wearing a bright smile as she saw him and the others. “Mickey…” she uttered. “I’m glad you’re okay, all of you!! The same can’t be said for me though, hehe…” Everyone gathered over to Aero, with Star providing a light over her injury, Yen Sid sat down beside her to inspect it. She likely landed on it during the fall. He gently placed a hand on her leg, beginning a healing spell that emitted a soft, white glow. “I know that spell!” observed Percy enthusiastically, “An old friend of mine specialised in healing! They sure would come in use right.” Yen Sid glanced up at him, smiling as he knew who Percy was talking about, before his face fell again back into a concerned one. “Indeed,” he said softly. “I just hope that…no one will get hurt anymore, especially given Golden’s situation.” Starlight gasped, and Oswald and Mickey gave each other a worried look, they were the last to see Golden before the void closed. “Golden!” Aero cried, “That evil…we need to get her back dad!” Yen Sid put his other hand on her shoulder to quiet and sooth her, he tried to look as reassuring as he could, but even he couldn’t hide his fears. “Calm, Aero.” he said, “We’ll get her back, but first…we must find a way out, and make a start on her rescue. Now, tell me, can you stand?” He helped Aero slowly get to her feet, along with a bit of help from Percy. Aero’s leg had been healed, which she was thankful for. She walked on it a little to test it, no aches or pains from putting pressure on it, she sighed with a slight grin, and received a quick boop on the nose from Star. “Thanks Star!” she giggled. “We’re almost all together now!” Yen Sid nodded, watching as Percy once more transformed into light, leading the way down the trench on the void, which seemed to go on the longer they stared down the path. “We’re almost there.” said the sorcerer. “I hope Scout has found her mother, and Julius is with them. We are not leaving until we are regrouped.” Starlight settled back on Yen Sid’s shoulder as the group made their way further down. Percy seemed to slow to a stop, his light twinkling as he circled for a moment, zipping over toward Aero and whispering into her ear before rushing forward, a bit far from everyone, leaving Yen Sid and the boys a tad confused at him venturing off suddenly. “Where’s he going?!” asked Oswald as the trench was suddenly devoid of light with the exception of Star, Yen Sid put his hand out to provide some more with his magic, and Starlight helped with her wand. “I think he’s got a plan.” said Aero, wearing a smile. “You know Percy! He’s always full of surprises.” Yen Sid nodded in agreement, stepping forward toward his young graduate and returning her gaze. “Yes, he is. Perhaps…he’ll surprise us when he returns.” 

A few minutes passed, Star squinted for a small light ball in the distance, it was certain it saw Percy appear, and floated up slowly to go and investigate. The light was now dimmer than usual, but the group continued to move forward, and spied Percy and Star coming back, and behind them was Scout! She was relieved to see more familiar faces, and ran to quickly hug Yen Sid tightly. “Guys! You’re all here!!” she cheered, Yen Sid smiled broadly, glad to see his daughter was safe, and there with her was her mum, they were nearly there. “Scout.” he said calmly, giving her a firm pat on the back. “I hope you weren’t hurt, and your mother?” Scout gave him a grin as she peered up at the tall sorcerer she admired. “Yeah! She’s fine! We found each other not long after we arrived here, and that’s not all who we ran into…” Mum appeared much clearer now, her eyes glimmering in the light provided by Star and Percy, and grinned upon seeing everyone together, despite following a bit slower than Scout behind her. “Thank goodness, that’s everyone…” she sighed, Scout moving back slightly to join her mother, and started to laugh as they realised all of them were finally back in one group, but Starlight couldn’t help but notice there was someone else missing, and looked around the dimly lit area to find him. “That’s not everyone!” she countered, “Where’s Julius? He’s not here!” Mum and Scout snickered, which caused Starlight to be confused suddenly, and folded her arms in annoyance at their reactions, but Mum gently took her into her hand and winked at her calmly. “It’s alright, Starlight.” she told her, and started to open up her robes, where someone was residing in one of her pockets. “He’s right here.” A small head appeared over the top of the pocket, his ears flat and face looking a little scared, Julius was huddled inside, blinking a little as he saw the light. “Oh, is it safe?!” he asked nervously. “I don’t wanna come out in the da-...wait…guys!?” Julius jumped out, landing on his feet with ease as he went to join Mickey and Oswald in a hug, his tail wagging as he purred, feeling overjoyed to be with his brothers, and Yen Sid. The brooms all picked him up, and started throwing him up into the air in joyous celebration. “Wheeeee hahaha!” Yen Sid breathed a small sigh of relief, he had gathered his apprentices again, along with Mum, Star and Starlight. One was still missing though, but she wasn’t here in the void. “Golden…” he murmured, his hand slowly placed over his heart as his resolve grew larger. Everyone turned to him, and noticed he started to grow serious, that same kind of seriousness he maintained back at home during their hard work or when danger came lurking, they too knew exactly what was on his mind. “Dad?” said Scout, “What now?” Yen Sid opened his eyes, looking straight at her as he gave his answer. “Home.” That was what they wanted too, but in this case it seemed too far for them to reach, with no exit, and no knowledge of the dark realm to help them make sense of it all. “What? Home?” squeaked Julius. “But how, dad?” Oswald nodded, thinking the same question as him, “Unless there’s a door, I don’t see how we’d get outta here.” Their attention was caught by Starlight, who twinkled her little wand around them as she floated around, she gave them each a quick tap on the nose, similar to Star. “I think we can!” she said, “I was in this place before, with Mum! We escaped once, but we can do it again!” Mum smiled softly, but had a thought in the back of her mind that concerned her, she took a step back and looked away, and Yen Sid felt her aura shiver. “What troubles you, dear?” he asked her gently, causing Mum to look back at him just a little, with Scout reaching for her hand and holding it, not wanting her mother to be scared or upset by anything. “I remember the last time.” Mum stated, “There is a way…when I was here in this place… However, I found the portal to escape from was…unstable, I wasn’t strong enough after being in this world for so long, and I got carried away and…I ended up injuring myself, on my arm…Who knows what’ll happen this time? I wouldn’t want any of you to-” She felt a hand touch her shoulder, and Yen Sid’s reassuring expression which eased her aura. Starlight landed on the collar of her robes, and clung to her sympathetically. “Rest assured.” Yen Sid said to her. “I can get us all out, I will see to it that no one gets hurt, lost, or left behind.” 

He stepped forward, holding the muse in his hands outstretched and whispering a soft, silent incantation, creating a small split in the air before them. It started to crack, and Yen Sid used a great amount of strength to open it, it became a portal to the outside. The stars and moon on the sorcerer’s hat were shimmering, illuminating in the dark, his hat standing out among the rest of him. “Hurry.” he said. “All of you through first.” Scout went first, along with Mum and Starlight, followed by Percy, Mickey, Oswald, Julius, and the brooms. Finally Aero stepped through, holding onto Star as Yen Sid followed closely and closed up the portal with one clap of his hands, which sent shockwaves through the air and disintegrated into nothing. Percy had turned back into a man as soon as the light from the sun bathed him, and he felt his energy return to him within an instant. “Ahh, feel that warmth!” he chortled, spreading his arms as if to catch the rays of the sun in his hands. “I feel so grossly incandescent!” Mickey, Aero, Starlight and Star giggled at him, watching the sunshine glow on his face, it was as if he was half-man, half-light here. They all understood however, the sun was shining high in the sky, which meant morning had risen…had they been there in the void for a few hours? It felt like hours, but upon thinking about it, it didn’t feel too long either. “Man, kinda feels like the sun was gone awhile, huh?” said Oswald, peering up at the cloudless sky and covering his arms with his arm. “It had, yeah…” said Aero. “Lucky we had Star and Percy!!” Everyone shared a laugh with one another at Aero’s comment, before looking around to see where they had ended up, it turns out that Yen Sid had opened a portal to the workshop, and they were right outside in the garden. The brooms all approached the door, taking out a set of keys from a hammerspace and inserting one of them into the keyhole, they all jumbled up and squeezed through as they all tried to enter all at once. “We’re back at the workshop.” said Mickey, looking toward Yen Sid as he stood beside him. “But…what about Golden? Do you have a plan?” Yen Sid turned his head to Mickey, and gave him a smile, lowering his head down to pet his little mouse son, gently rubbing against the base of his ears. “Mickey…I have a good feeling we are all going to get Golden back before the day is over, and mark my words, those fiends will never think of coming near us again…” He motioned for everyone to go into the workshop, and began to devise his plan before putting it into action. Once inside, he insisted his apprentices all go up to their respective rooms and prepare for what was coming, the fight to bring back their youngest and most vulnerable member. “Get ready everyone.” he told them, the seriousness in his voice returning. “We will require all our magic for this one, and the utmost care too…Golden’s heart is fragile, and right now, it remains in the balance…”

Back at the fortress, it was quiet, the wind whistled through the empty halls, half-full drinking goblets still remaining from the party that had gone wrong. What was meant to be a celebration of a conquest had very quickly turned into a battle of a lifetime, against puny foes and the one they called their father, as if he deserved such a title. Master sorcerer was insulting enough. The Evil Queen clutched her box tightly, righting her crown as she hurried through the halls, Pete following closely behind her, Maleficent tailing and using one hand to drag something, or someone, the other holding her staff. They arrived in a cell, binding the kid’s wrists in shackles attached to the wall, and soon she opened her eyes, only to immediately feel her heart in her mouth. “Where am I?” she demanded, disoriented and dizzy, and the villainesses let out a chuckle that sent chills down her spine. “Good morning, sleeping beauty.” Maleficent giggled, Golden struggling against the binds but to no avail, the metal actually cutting her wrists slightly with how hard she was pulling, leaving her wincing and furious. She felt rather strange, somehow hollow and empty despite everything, and a little faint, as if she’d exerted herself and worn herself out. She scowled up at the trio as they cackled, presented with a pale-faced and weak apprentice, from which they would derive all their power. Golden was undeterred, until she heard a sound that made every hair stand up, her stomach flipping and heart stopping. A cracking of a whip, and heavy boots. 

The Coachman opened the cell door, and the Evil Queen opened her box, revealing the heavenly glow of the heart held inside, equally as captive as the body it belonged to. Golden gritted her teeth- no wonder she felt faint…it was all coming back to her. “You…you tricked me!” She yelled, the Evil Queen rolling her eyes. “It’s in the name, brat. Maybe next time you should be more careful.” she giggled, Golden pouting, before shrinking slightly as the Coachman towered above her. “Now, are you going to do as you’re told? We don’t have all day.” Maleficent sighed, Golden turning to face her. “And that is?” she replied, the evil fairy hiding a cackle. “Give us your power.” she demanded, Golden immediately staring up in disbelief. “You hold a great deal in your heart, maybe not as much as that precious little papa…” she smirked at the thought of Yen Sid alienated in the void, before turning back to Golden, “but enough for us to use. If you’re good, we’ll even drop you off with your family.” she offered, but the little girl immediately shook her head, resolute. “I’ll NEVER obey you!” she yelled, Pete turning to Maleficent, wondering if she’d let that slide. The evil fairy turned to the queen, who closed the lid of the box, and raised an eyebrow toward the Coachman, who sneered. “Well then, lassie, they say spare the rod, spoil the child. Yen Sid hasn’t taught you how to behave, so that’ll be my job.” he grinned, the girl trying to shuffle back but finding herself unable to move. The Evil Queen could feel the box vibrating as her heart beat frantically inside, Golden feeling an awful sense of dread beginning, one that caused her eyes to go glassy and her entire body to tremble. He stepped closer, Pete turning to Maleficent. “What’s he gonna do, your evilness?” he asked, Maleficent putting a hand on his shoulder. “Give us a show, no doubt.” she cackled, the Evil Queen giving a nod and permitting the Coachman to begin. 

The breeze was blowing gently outside the iron gates, where there were no cackles of evil laughter, screams of victims or even the caw of a distant raven. It was silent, save for the faint sounds of hooves, and the crunching of twigs and grass under them. Scout spied the iron gates as they came into view from behind the bushes. The beautiful moonlight Unicorn that belonged to Mum slowly rode up to the wall and locked gates, carrying Scout, Mum, Mickey and Oswald. Behind them, the majestic stag appeared, which was ridden by Yen Sid, Percy, Julius and Aero, with Star and Starlight perched on her shoulders. Everyone stared up at the fortress before, it seemed bigger now somehow, and was likely just as difficult to navigate inside. “Man…Golden is in there.” sighed Scout, her heart pulsating with anger at her sister being held prisoner in there, just like Yen Sid before her. “Hang on sis, we’re getting you outta there…!” Scout started to dismount, with Mum following after her, the two of them respectively helping Oswald and Mickey off the unicorn, who then received a grateful rub on the nose from Mum. “The muse should come in handy.” Mum noted, taking it out of the little pouch slung over her shoulder. “I just…hope we’re not too late. If that wicked woman still has her heart, this rescue might prove difficult.” Yen Sid dismounted from the stag, and helped Julius down safely. He gazed up at the castle once more, digesting Mum’s words about the difficult task of finding Golden, but he liked a challenge, and wasn’t prepared to end it at the first obstacle. “There’s no doubt, Sonatina.” he said, “We’ll stick together, and make sure you all stay alert for anyone coming.” Percy leapt off the stag, which belonged to him in fact. He stood up tall and straight, pounding his chest with his fist confidently. “That we shall!” he boasted, sounding triumphant already. “And if you need me to play the role of sneaky sneaker you’ve got it! I can transform into my light and get into tight corners!” Yen Sid nodded with a grin, he was a little amused at the fact that Percy’s light form could be used for more than just light or flight, but infiltration and potentially reaching high places, such as the windows several feet up. “Exactly Percy,” he said, pointing to the towers at the top of the fortress that were lined with several windows. “Now, could you fly up there and check those? Your light could help us find Golden sooner, and check for enemies.” Percy gave a salute, and spun round as he quickly became a shiny ball of light again, leaving a wispy trail as he zoomed up past the iron gates. “Aye aye captain!!” he called, his light still visible in the bright daylight. Julius wandered over behind Yen Sid, gently tugging on the bottom of his robes. “I wish I could stay in Mum’s robe pocket!” he mewed nervously. Yen Sid looked down at his little feline boy and gave him a quick scratch behind the ears to ease him. “I know I gotta fight like the rest of you, but does it have to be so scary?!” Mickey chuckled sympathetically, giving Julius a reassuring pat on the back as he led him over to Oswald and Scout. “You’ll do just fine, like all of us Julius!” he smiled encouragingly, Julius wished he could be as confident as his brothers, feeling it was only right as he was the oldest, but he nevertheless relaxed a little with Mickey and Yen Sid offering him some comfort. “Dad? Any way we can enter?” Mickey asked, watching with the others as Percy began to descend back down to the group. “I could teleport us in.” Yen Sid replied, “If the coast is clear, we will have an advantage using it.” The ball of light signalled an all clear by flickering, which Star found itself using, unable to resist flickering back as if Percy and it were communicating in some sort of hidden language. “Everything is clear boss!” Percy giggled, sounding rather cheerful despite the situation, but Yen Sid was happy that Percy was at least able to provide some light-heartedness to their mission, pun intended at that. “Very good Percy, thank you!” Yen Sid smiled, beckoning everyone over to him, each of them taking hands as the master sorcerer started the spell, the quick transportation inside, and with any luck, no enemies that would surround them. A flash of light, and they vanished from the spot, and arrived inside the fortress, a stone cold, eerie place that seemed to go on and on forever with its stairs, and could use a new wallpaper according to Percy. “These villains have the WORST taste! Honestly…” 

Scout put up her hand to alert them, there was a shadow from the nearby staircase, someone was coming, and the place was barren of a nearby hiding spot. “Not to worry!” Aero whispered, lifting the wand she kept stored in her cloak. “I’ve got an invisibility spell I can use!” She gave her wand a quick swish, a spray of light and stardust sprinkled everywhere and all over the group sorcerers, each of them began to disappear. From the stairs, one of Maleficent’s minions, who stared into the room for a moment, pointed his spear. The room was quiet, from what the minion could see, there was no one. Regardless, he felt a sense of suspicion. “Better report to m’lady…” he whispered, going back up the stairs in a hurry. The group remained quiet, and quite relieved while still draped under the invisibility spell. “That was close, eh?” Aero said, unable to resist a giggle, Star shaking off the invisible sprinkles, showering more and more stardust everywhere. “Indeed it was…” Percy said, turning his way toward the stairs, scowling as the shadow from the staircase disappeared. “We can’t be too careful, master…perhaps I should scout out the area for danger?” Yen Sid thought for a moment, his form becoming more visible as the spell wore off, considering it wasn’t too strong of a spell from Aero. “Yes, please Percy.” he said. “I’ll keep us under an invisibility spell, if you’re okay with me assisting you Aero...perhaps you too can find where Golden is being held?” Percy gave him a quick thumbs up, and spun quickly into his iconic ball of light, and Mum handed him the muse for good measure, and an extra chance at possibly finding Golden. “Good luck Percy, we’ll stay safe as houses under this spell!” said Mickey, watching the light man float high up to the ceiling, and squeezing into the crevices of the ceiling corners, and leaving the group. Scout couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle of amusement. “You know…” she said, “If you wanted someone to ‘scout’ out the area, you could’ve asked me!”

Percy zoomed through the halls, muse floating alongside him and the man hiding behind curtains and plant pots alike, following that minion as he scampered off. They headed down toward a leaky dungeon, Percy dimming his light and sticking behind a barrel, listening to the conversation from outside. “Um, your ladyship, I heard something.” The minion started, stuttering as he spoke and the glaring eyes of Maleficent looked upon him. “Heard something? Are you sure it wasn’t my pet?” she replied, the minion adamantly shaking his head, though also shaking in his boots. “N-no! I think I heard…a voice. A young voice, like…not as old as you?” he tried, but the evil fairy continued to glare down at him, the other three villains annoyed that this pipsqueak had interrupted them. Maleficent sighed, and then…smirked. “Well, if you would be a good little minion, you could go and figure out what it is. And if it is somebody…bring them to me. I want them ALIVE.” she grinned, Pete chuckling behind his hand as he admired her villainy. Maleficent slammed her staff on the ground, indicating the minion was dismissed, and Percy took a peek as the door opened, noticing the four villains inside, and something crouched on the ground, though he couldn’t make out what was in the shadows. Regardless, the muse was beeping, so he got out of there as fast as possible, following the minion, who decided to stand guard outside the room. Though…all that running around was a little tiring…perhaps he could close his eyes for two seconds… “All clear! Four villains, one room, big problem!” Percy reported, Yen Sid raising an eyebrow as he held out a hand, ensuring the spell was still going alongside Aero. “Problem? Did you find her, Percy?” He asked, the light man nodding, then shaking his head. “I saw something…not sure if it was her, but there were four of them crowding in a dungeon, so it's likely,” he replied. “FOUR?!” Oswald crowed, Mickey instantly slamming a hand over his brother’s mouth so they wouldn’t get caught. “Last I checked, there was only one! I thought the Evil Queen only escaped!” he hissed, Percy shrugging. “Well there were four of them. Maleficent, Pete, the Evil Queen, and ugh…that blasted Coachman!” he explained, Yen Sid thinking for a moment. “Yes…I did not recall either Maleficent or Pete being dragged down, and that Coachman ran off at some point…and those fiends are picking on my daughter. I’m not having it. Lead the way, Percy!” Percy nodded in the only way his light form could by bobbing, and slowly led them through the creepy hallway. Despite being invisible they all still kept their guard up while making their way toward the room where those villains were, more than likely keeping Golden there with them, and making her life hell as of now. It made Yen Sid’s blood boil knowing these villains, many he’d known about for a long time, had it out for her, and he was angry at himself too for being captured, and thinking it could only lead to her kidnapping. “Dad? You…okay?” The sound of Mickey’s voice broke him out of his thoughts, and he felt himself cool down, if only a little bit. “Oh…Yes I’m alright.” Yen Sid replied, “What’s wrong Mickey?” The young mouse shrank his shoulders a little as he pointed out to his father and mentor’s glowing orange aura. “Your phoenix…” Mickey whispered, “it’s…noticeable?” Yen Sid took note and attempted to ease the bird from inside him, he had to keep it together until a battle began, and knowing how high the stakes were, he couldn’t unleash it too early or too recklessly. “Here!” Percy cried, hovering above the same door he spotted earlier. The guard had fallen asleep at the door, he wasn’t going to be any trouble but Percy couldn’t help but quickly bind him in a rope of light for extra measure. Yen Sid began to turn off the invisibility spell, and led others inside the room as they all prepared a spell each, ready to finally face the fiends before them. 

“Maleficent…” Yen Sid hissed, the dark fairy slowly turning her head, a grin of malice etched on her lips. “Ahh, so my minion was correct,” she sneered, “well, good thing you’re here. Now you can watch your brat die and become something useful for once!!” Yen Sid glowered in both anger and disgust, it didn’t come to a surprise to him though, these people had no problem harming anyone, not even a child, considering Maleficent cursed a newborn to die out of pure pettiness and spite. “Call Lumen a brat again, I DARE you, you vomit-coloured cow!!” Percy screamed, the power of light flickering like flames in his hands as he inched closer to the villains, Maleficent snickered, as did the Coachman, who twisted the thick, black whip in his hands and wrapped it tightly around his fingers. “Alright then, I will.” giggled Maleficent. “This child is nothing more than a weak, broken, and stupid little brat!” Her voice reached a new high as she leant over cackling, the Coachman glaring nastily with a grin at Percy’s face. “And the only good brat…” he said quietly. “...is a DEAD one!” That was it for the light man, he hurled his light at him, sending them like cricket balls on a pitch except much faster. The Coachman underestimated the speed and was knocked over as one ball of light was hit directly into his stomach, forcing him to fall back. Yen Sid, Mickey and Aero went for Maleficent, preparing to charge and attack all together for a better advantage of reaching for Golden. There was a sharp clang of metal as Yen Sid felt a pain in his arm, he had struck a shield, and it was being held by Pete…Yen Sid stared for a moment, this very shield looked familiar. “Too bad Yen Sid!” Pete mocked, glancing behind him briefly to smile at Maleficent as he stood between her and the sorcerer. “You know something?” Pete went on, locking his eyes with Yen Sid intensely. “You’d make a mighty fine heartless.” Yen Sid swiped his arm against the shield and was sent back a little, although the pain was uncomfortable, he ultimately put it aside for now and focused on the fight. Aero hoisted Mickey up onto her shoulder, allowing him to use her as a spring as he leapt into the air, showering several white stars from his fingertips down onto Pete, Maleficent and the Evil Queen. “Hey, watch it!!” Pete cried, holding his shield up higher to fight off the attack. “Since when did you get so strong, Mickey da Mouse?!” Mickey grinned, winking back at Aero as she quickly zipped forward on a step of wind. “Through hard work and a lot of love, for my family!” Aero manoeuvred past the villains as they attempted to ward off Mickey’s star attack, and spotted Golden crouched down on the ground, her wrists chained to the wall and her face looking beaten and exhausted. Aero’s heart pounded heavily seeing her young friend like this and wasted no time breaking off the shackles with an explosive spell, one much like a firework but less dangerous and fiery, and picked her up in her arms as she made her way back to the group. “I’ve got her!!” she cried, “Let’s go Yen Sid!” But the sorcerer wasn’t done, and he gave her grave scowl as he prevented a sudden attack from Maleficent’s staff, which affected his arm a little. “Aero…her heart.” he said gravely, Aero felt a chill go down her spine, and glared back at the Evil Queen, who held up her box as if keeping a toy away from a child, she looked terribly mocking, and slowly opened the lid. “Looking for this?” she grinned, taking out the golden, glimmering heart. 

Golden began to stir in Aero’s arms, looking incredibly dizzy and not making much sense of her surroundings. “D…dad?” she whispered, her vision slowly fixing itself as she looked up at her carrier. “Aero…?” The older girl gave a tiny smile to her little friend, holding her close and giving her a squeeze of reassurance. “It’s alright now, Goldie.” she told her. “We’re going home, all of us!” Pete finished defending Maleficent from the flurry of stars as Mickey had retreated back, the Evil Queen now stepping out with the heart, which was glowing like a pulsation. Golden felt her fears grow as she noticed the presence of her heart in the hand of the Evil Queen. “Going home?” the queen snarled, “Oh no…I should think not. Especially YOU, little one.” She squeezed Golden’s heart with such a pressure that it caused her to yelp, clinging tightly onto Aero as she felt a growing pain inside her chest. “Stop it!!” Golden wailed, tears building up and flowing out of her eyes. This sight only made the Evil Queen feel more malicious, and reached back into the box that the Coachman was holding for her. “But this is fun, child…” she said, her voice oozing with venom as she laid her eyes on Golden’s heart, her grin growing wider. “And if it’s fun, you do it more and more!!” She took out a pin, and held high before jamming it into Golden’s heart, the girl wailed louder, clinging tighter and tighter to Aero who in that moment felt like she couldn’t do anything to help, and could only grimace as her friend cried out in more pain. “That DOES IT!” Yen Sid shouted in fury, summoning the phoenix and sending it to the four villains, it was effectively blocked with the Evil Queen and Maleficent’s power, but the blast from the phoenix created an explosion that left a gaping hole in the wall, the giant bird swooped down and allowed the family of sorcerers to get onto it’s back and fly out from the high fortress. “Going already?” teased Maleficent as she and the other three followed them out. “But you’ve forgotten something!” The Evil Queen jammed another pin into Golden’s heart, making her wail again and become slightly limp, Aero didn’t know what to say, and could only hold onto her friend and stroke her hair in a vain attempt to console her. Mum summoned the unicorn, and with its mighty power from the moonlight sent a blast down from its horn at the tower, sending down more rubble to ward off the villains, though it appeared to be that the villains were one step ahead now. As they continued to strike the heart, Golden felt herself slipping into the space between consciousness and unconsciousness, still feeling all the pain but slowly numbing each time. Aero felt her going limp and stared down in horror. “Stop it, you’ll kill her!” she screamed, the villains just sneering at the master’s words. The Coachman stepped forward, staring directly at Aero, his gaze cold and cruel. “The only good brat…” he murmured, taking the heart out of the box, “is a dead one.” he grinned, crushing the heart in his huge fist, cracking it into several pieces. Golden went completely limp, everyone immediately rushing over and trying to wake her, all as the villains laughed in their victory.

It was dark, cold, and lonely. There was a lack of sound, and seemingly sight. Golden opened her eyes, feeling light, weightless. She propped herself up, discovering a floor as she did so, and then managed to stand. It all came surprisingly easily, as if she was made of nothing, and the girl took in her surroundings, or lack thereof. “Hello?!” she called out, her voice sounding raw and small, it echoed amongst the expanse. She called again, but nobody came. Nobody answered, there was only darkness. Despite there being no pain, she felt hollow and lonely, sinking to her knees and bringing them up to her chest, silently starting to sob. “Where am I…?” she whispered, her voice breaking from the tears. “I want papa…” she continued, talking to herself and hoping someone might hear her. This place likely stretched on forever, or maybe it was small, small enough that you could walk around the world and come back again, over and over. Either way, it seemed endless, and the little girl was too afraid to move and get lost. There was no terrain or landmarks to guide her, just floor and sky, both endlessly blackened and cold, even isolating. She continued to cry, hugging herself tightly, wishing she was in her father’s arms. She suddenly remembered something, a night around three years ago, not long after she’d been given her first robe. Memories were all that could comfort her now, so she didn’t mind dwelling on them.

She was only small, and had dreamed a strange dream. There were two people holding her hands, encouraging her to stay close and that they would be going home soon, home for tea. She was happy to be with them, until they started to slip away, disappearing into nothing and leaving her all alone, amongst crowds of strangers and frightening sounds. And then she woke up, all alone in her bed, in some oversized pyjamas that had once belonged to Mickey. She’d got out of bed, walked out into the hallway, and started looking for them, asking where they went, why they left her all alone. She’d called out, but nobody came, and she ended up crying into her tiny hands, wandering the hall all alone, eventually coming to the workshop. Yen Sid had never seen her cry before, but had heard her from his room, and noticed she was just wandering around all alone, crying to herself. He’d consoled her, despite her being unable to stop crying. She felt lost, like Hansel and Gretel, and lonely, asking the old sorcerer where they’d gone, to which he had no answer, but seemed to understand what she was talking about even so. And then he’d held her close, telling her about how he’d once written a song for a child who felt the exact same way, who had very few people in his life, but that he’d sing it to him when he cried, as a promise to love and nurture. The old wizard began to sing her that same lullaby, summoning little stars all over the workshop that sparkled and glimmered, the little girl rubbing her eyes as she watched them and leaned into him, Yen Sid stroking her hair. He modified the stars, creating a big one that was followed by eight little ones, then hordes more, all sparkling around them in a circle. They formed constellations and pictures, the rest of the apprentices waking due to the singing and watching, recognizing the song and smiling as he rested his head atop hers, Golden no longer crying and feeling as if she had been found, and that she’d be protected here, at all costs. And then they all sat together, falling asleep on the sofa, as the broomies tucked them in and got themselves covered in residual magic and stardust.

Golden giggled slightly at the memory, and then teared up again. She lowered her head into her knees further, and imagined Yen Sid, and then everyone else. “If you’re ever…f-feeling like you’re lost…I’ll come find you…” she sang to the darkness, her voice echoing and further proving she was alone, but trying to believe those words. “Man all fronts…there’s no ocean I won’t swim across… t-to be right by you…” she thought of Aero and Star, and then Starlight, who had been found again, what she wouldn’t do to hug her little dream sentry right then, her glowworm could light up the entire darkness with her star magic. And she’d sing her songs to make it less lonely, and her glowing face could brighten up the darkness too, and she’d say nursery rhymes…Golden felt new tears running down her face. “And not just once…here and now I swear on my response…I’ll remind you…” she finished, burying her face completely in her knees and unable to hold back the sobs, wishing they were here with her now, that she hadn’t been such a fool. But then…something odd happened. She felt heavier all of a sudden, and almost fell backwards due to the shock, unable to keep herself fully upright. She felt a sharp pain in every part of her body, her lungs feeling like they might burst as breath re-entered them. Her heart…it was beating. And though she couldn’t feel it particularly close, she felt all the pain, and let out a yell, one so mighty that it echoed off every inch of this place, the girl shutting her eyes and covering her ears, feeling as if she might splinter into a thousand pieces, blood rushing through her veins and burning, eyes watering and continuing to scream…

And opened her eyes to see Aero staring down at her, her own eyes wide and tears rolling down her cheeks. “A-Aero…” she breathed, she tried to reach her hand up, but all her strength had left her body. Aero froze, thinking she heard Golden’s voice between her sobs, but the girl in her arms remained limp, and still. Yen Sid reached out to touch Golden’s cheek, she was cold and looking pale, and he felt a weight in his chest, was his little girl gone? Mum was silent and couldn’t even move even as Scout cried on her shoulder. Star gave a tiny squeak of sadness as it floated down beside the limp child. Percy had tears building in his eyes, feeling like he had failed saving Golden, wondering why he couldn’t do it this time. The boys and Starlight were huddled on his lap, just staying together, unable to make sense of the situation. The Evil Queen and Maleficent sneered gleefully at the family’s grief, while Pete was dumbfounded. “Did…did that really kill her?” he asked, Maleficent’s smile turned from one of villainous triumph to one of smugness. “Yes, and it wasn’t painless.” she giggled, leaving her minion somewhat speechless that they had actually killed her and done the job. “The lot of you are just like her.” grinned the Coachman, fiddling with the shard of heart in his hands like sand between his fingers. “Pathetic!” A sudden burst of light caught him off guard, the shard had turned into pure light, shining like beams of light from behind clouds, except much brighter and more powerful, so much so that the Coachman covered his eyes, almost blinded by the flash. “What the?!” cried Pete, ducking behind Maleficent to shield from the light. “What’s going on there, your ladyship?!” Maleficent and the Evil Queen couldn't make out what was happening either, for they too were momentarily blinded. The family looked up slowly to watch as the light grew, the boys covered their eyes as they clung to Percy, who was feeling amused by the light as he pulled the brim of his hat down. “Goodness…” he mused, “that’s even brighter than my light! Where’s it coming from?” And it wasn’t the only light, Golden’s chest began to illuminate, and a warm glow spread through her body, her blue and lilac hair beginning to shimmer, she even felt warm in Aero’s hands, which surprised her immensely. “Golden…?” she whispered. “W-what’s going on…?” Starlight pointed at Golden’s chest, noting the bright, golden glow emanating from it. “Yen Sid! Look!” she cried, frantically tugging on his sleeve and pointing. Yen Sid could only hope what he saw was what he was hoping for, and took Golden’s hand between his. The shards began to form together, becoming whole again and enveloped by a warm flame, with one pin protruding from the newly resurrected heart, until it shrank into nothingness. Golden’s eyes began to move, and she blinked, her head and chest were hurting though, as if she’d just woken up from a bad dream. “Mm…huh?” she murmured. She noticed Aero’s tear-streaked face, and wanted to reach up to wipe them away, but something else was holding onto her hand, someone in fact. “Lunula…please, look my way?” said the voice of her beloved dad, she slowly turned her head to the direction of the request, and there he was. Yen Sid was smiling softly at her, the tears on his cheeks already drying up. Starlight gave her a quick nuzzle to her cheeks, and Percy had almost burst into noisy tears again. “OH LUMEN!!” he wailed with a teary grin. “I thought…WE thought…Oh goodness don’t do that!! That was just too much for me. I am only 30 years old after all…” Maleficent, the Evil Queen, the Coachman and Pete were finally fixing up their vision, seeing the family of sorcerers all weeping with joy over Golden looking very much alive again, they would have been furious, but upon seeing the heart in the Coachman’s hand gave them all a new outlook on it’s power…

“Ouch!” cried the Coachman, the flames around the heart suddenly began to burn him and he dropped it, instead of hitting the ground, it merely floated. The Evil Queen held out her box, taking the heart back inside it and closing the lid. “Give it here fool.” she snarled at the Coachman, who frowned back as he nursed his burning palm. Pete was eager to get another look at the heart, but Maleficent kept him back. “What does this mean?!” he asked, completely confused as to why Golden and the heart were back in one piece. “Why hasn’t she passed the pearly gates?! Why’s she still here?!” Maleficent put a hand on his shoulder to ease him, a small grin curling on her thin lips. “It means we are in luck.” she told him. “We have the heart, all we need is the girl. Perhaps we can persuade Yen Sid and his little troupe of trainees to hand her over, I’m sure we can come to a negotiation…”    

The family of sorcerers looked up, Aero adjusting her position so Golden was able to see beyond, and the little girl seemed to cling to her slightly, gently brushing a tear away from her friend’s face as Aero composed herself. But to their dismay, the Evil Queen stepped forward, a wicked, calculating smile on her face. “Ah, it seems she awoke.” she snickered, Yen Sid curling a fist. “What did you do?!” he demanded, but she just gave a smirk. “Us? Nothing! But…it seems you have a frightfully good soldier there.” she giggled, Yen Sid raising an eyebrow. “Meaning?” he scowled, Golden shrinking slightly and Aero putting a hand on her head protectively. “Well… she came back. Imagine having a soldier that could come back from death- if they were killed in battle they’d just come right back. Wouldn’t that be an asset for a powerful sorcerer such as yourself? Is that the real reason you took her in?” she mused, Yen Sid’s fists curling as his magic flared up, the boys stepping back and Mum and Percy moving to his sides, the three of them standing strong as the rest of the apprentices huddled by Aero and Golden. “I took her in because she had nobody else. I didn’t even know this was possible!” he shot back, the villains continuing to chuckle amongst themselves, several whispers being passed around. “Either way, you still don’t have her back. Her heart belongs to me now. So I’m giving you an ultimatum.” the Evil Queen began, holding out the box with a wicked grin. “You give me the girl, or I take her from you. If you pick the easy way, I’ll let you live.” she smirked, Yen Sid staring up in a mixture of disbelief and fury. “Just why do you want her? Let her go!” Mum demanded, Maleficent raising an eyebrow at her. “That thing you call your daughter is very powerful. She’d make an excellent little subordinate, or even a source…” she chuckled, Mum feeling sick at the thought of Golden serving them and turning to look at the child in Aero’s arms, who was still pale and scared, presumably due to what she just went through. “Lumen isn’t a THING! She’s a wonderful little person who’d never bow to you!” Percy retorted, Pete scowling at the disrespect toward his mistress. “Ooh, da light man wants a fight?” he smirked, Percy’s own magic flaring up toward the bumbling fool in front of him. Yen Sid raised a hand, though, and quelled Percy’s fury. “No.” he spoke, both Mum and Percy turning to face him. “No?” Percy was in disbelief, Mum was concerned, gently putting a hand on Yen Sid’s shoulder, who turned to look at all his children, sorrow in his eyes. “What I’m about to do might be incredibly stupid.” he began, Percy’s own heart starting to beat in his chest in anxiety. Just what was his master planning?

Yen Sid stepped forward toward the four villains, who stared at him in confusion. “You don’t need to derive power from her.” he spoke, reaching up slowly and taking his hat off his head. Immediately, everyone’s jaws could have dropped. “This hat can grant power, as you previously said.” he began, turning to look at his apprentices, and outstretching his palm for a moment, before using magic to make it hover. He focused…and transferred its power, all four villains feeling the equal split between them. And then, a black hand came from nowhere and tore Golden from Aero’s arms, though they clung to each other as best as they could. She landed right in the grip of the Evil Queen herself, her heart so close to her, and yet so far, trapped in a small prison from which its light emitted. “My apprentices will do the same.” he proclaimed, everyone staring at him in disbelief. He looked intently at them all as they passed him their hats, all somewhat stupefied and convinced Yen Sid was being an idiot, but disobeying him seemed futile, especially with that look on his face. Mum, too, passed over her muse, and Percy threw down his hat, though he looked quite sullen and anxious, and the broomies gently patted his back. Though they couldn’t give anything, they held up the hats for Yen Sid, as the villains grew stronger and stronger. And when it was done, a black aura surrounded them all, Golden feeling as if she’d lost all hope, like there would be no way to save them now from whatever fate these fiends had planned. And worse…she felt useless herself. She should’ve never given her heart away, that was a stupid and even slightly selfish move, one that now cost her family their magic, and even herself her own life. She dropped to her knees and the hand kept a grip on her, the villains grinning as they opened up the realms in the sky. They floated upwards, Golden taking one last look at them all before being dragged up.

Yen Sid fell to his knees, everyone immediately rushing to steady him, though he had a smile on his face, confusing EVERYONE. “Dad?! What the hell was that about?” Oswald demanded, Yen Sid letting out a chuckle, the rabbit thumping his foot in frustration and looking as if he could implode. “In all my 300 years…oh Master Grey would kill me!” he chortled, tears coming out of his eyes as he wheezed to himself, Mickey and Julius sharing a worried glance whilst Scout balled up her fists, Aero looking like she could cause a tornado with one word. “Yen Sid…WHAT’S SO FUNNY?!” Percy demanded, Yen Sid looking up at him with a slight grin. “This entire situation. God, they’re so stupid.” he laughed, one of the broomies walking up to Yen Sid and giving him a little smack on the arm, annoyed that their eighth member was gone. “Okay…okay.” Yen Sid calmed, standing and folding his arms in his robes, and turning his head to the sky as he stopped laughing. “My hat requires 5 things. Four stars, one moon. And though those four have an equal split of power, there is one thing they didn’t see coming…” he grinned, Mum looking confused, before piecing it together. “Lunula…you often call her that. Did you…?” she whispered, a smile stretching across her face as she hardly dared to hope. “Indeed. She uses light, like us. With our power, it’ll work much more advantageously with her than with magic to which it is diametrically opposed.” he explained, Oswald turning in confusion and the brooms all scratching their heads. “What he means is…” Aero smiled, the rest of the apprentices looking at her as she stared up at the sorcerer in admiration, “he gave Golden power, too. And because she’s trained in light magic, it’ll be stronger for her.” Yen Sid gave an approving nod, Star squeaking in delight and Starlight coming out from Mickey’s robes, where she’d been hiding. “So…Golden can win?” Starlight whispered, Yen Sid shrugging slightly. “All we can do is hope. For now, let us wait and see what may happen. Nobody can tell the future.” he finished, everyone raising their faces to the sky and hoping everything would turn out for the best. 

Golden couldn’t even struggle against the hold she was in, even with her newly reformed heart. The ground became further and further away as much she tried to reach out for it, the world where her family was. She’d never see them again, her hope dwindling by the second, not even the sight of gentle, fluffy clouds could comfort her, no matter how beautiful the scene looked, it was like a gorgeous sunset, a heaven. But she wished she wasn’t here, she wished she was home with her dad, Yen Sid, to be safe in his arms again. To be with her sisters Aero and Scout, who she’d play music and do magic with. Mum, who would read to her and spend days baking the most delicious cookies and pies. Her brothers Mickey, Julius and Oswald, and her silly uncle part brother Percy, they all cared for her deeply and were the funniest, most wonderful brothers she could ask for. She missed Star and Starlight, and hugged at her chest, wishing she was hugging them right now, instead her heart felt sore and throbbed painfully. She missed the broomies and their silly antics, and now they were without their honorary eighth member. “I’m…sorry…” She muttered quietly, and accepted her fate, that she had once again lost a family, and now she was going to be used as a tool, a soldier or whatever they wanted, as much as they’d like. Inside her mind, she also apologised to her family for ever causing them any pain or upset with what happened to her, never should they have ever witnessed her dying, or being kidnapped so easily, was this how life was meant to be? Only a matter of time before she would be in the hands of evil? She fell out of the giant hand as it opened up, letting her roll limply onto the cold, marble platform; she didn’t care about looking up and facing her captors. Several footsteps approached her and a shadow cast over her, blocking the sunset behind her. “Alright, let's get to work with goods!” said the voice of Pete, who grabbed her by the back of her shirt and lifted her up high, her hands falling like loose ribbons to her hips, leaving her chest and heart exposed to the Evil Queen. “Not so tough now without daddy here to protect you.” The Evil Queen jeered, raising her hand and effortlessly plunging it into Golden’s chest. The young girl let out a hiss of pain and watched as her heart was removed from her once again, the heart was scarred but otherwise looked pristine with its golden glow, the villains knew just by looking at it that the power it contained was immense. “This is too perfect.” said the Evil Queen. “With this, we can do whatever we please. And you my dear are perfect for the job! You’d be our ultimate weapon with this, without the ability to die- why, you’re invincible!” Golden groaned, the Evil Queen’s voice was low and draining as her ears were ringing. Pete shuffled in between her and the queen, giving the sinister monarch a quick wink. “And if she aint,” he said, “I could just chuck her outta here. Y’know like disposing of garbage.” The Coachman turned his nose up, shooting a glare at all of them. “Not so fast, everything has its uses.” he said, a slight protest in his voice. “If you don’t have any need for the lass, I could easily find ways to make her useful, and me lots of money!” Golden stiffened, she didn’t want to be used for anything, especially not from them. She tried to move her arms and legs, but it proved difficult with her low strength and missing heart. Maleficent rolled her eyes, giving a sharp glare to both of the men and hitting them on the head with her staff. “Fools!” she cried furiously. “Neither of you shall be doing anything, not while I have my uses for such a thing. Now, my dear queen, if you may hand over the heart? I have a plan on what we shall do first.” The Evil Queen gave a reluctant look, but nevertheless slowly handed over the heart, placing it into Maleficent’s palm. 

“This is it…” she said gleefully, running her long fingers over the heart. “The magic, it is OURS!! And nothing can ever come between us and stop us! Not even those puny mortals down on earth! What do you say we start with them? And once they are out of the picture, only the realms will be ours for the taking…” Golden’s fingers twitched, and her heart glitched suddenly, they were starting with her family? “No…you can’t…” The Evil Queen grinned with a glimmer in eye, satisfied with the first step of action the dark fairy had in mind. “I like your thinking,” she said with a small chuckle. “And with a glitching heart, it’ll be as easy as apple pie.” Maleficent prepared to glitch herself and the others back to earth to finish what they started, she rose the heart above her head and the glitching process began, but the heart instead sent a glitch back to her, sending it through her veins and shocking her, it extended to the Coachman, the Evil Queen and Pete, who dropped Golden to the ground. “Woah, you feel that?” Pete asked, rubbing his hands down his body to get rid of the glitchy feeling in them. “What was that?” The Evil Queen scoffed, she too felt a glitchy aftereffect running through her hands and glowered at Golden, who laid on the floor struggling to lift herself up, the queen pressed her heel down on Golden’s back to hold her down, the girl yelped and despite the pain, could feel the glitching taking control again. “A mere fluke.” The Evil Queen growled, “Again, Maleficent! And don’t fail!!” Maleficent raised her staff, slamming it hard into the ground as her dark magic flared, spreading out through the realm and shutting out the light from the sunset. She lifted the heart again, and Golden could feel its glitching taking effect, despite feeling weak as well as the Evil Queen’s boot pressed into her back, she found the strength to sit up on her elbows, and gazed up at her pure, golden heart as it glitched and its flame waved in the wind. “No…” Golden whispered, her fingers moving as her instinct told her to desperately take back her heart. “That’s…MINE.” The Evil Queen lowered her eyes, and repeated her action of slamming her heel down onto Golden, her rage grew larger and she looked ready to snatch the heart herself. Glaring at Maleficent, her cape began to flap in the wind as she became more and more incensed. “THAT’S ENOUGH!!” she bellowed, “WORK! NOW!!” The heart glitched again, sending shocking signals through Maleficent’s hands and outward toward the other villains, the Evil Queen was knocked over, toppling over into the Coachman until Pete steadied her up. “Oi! Watch it you ‘ag!” the Coachman whined, pushing the queen away from him. Golden pushed herself up, getting to her knees and spying the staff close by, she reached over, clamping her hands firmly around it even as Maleficent held onto it tightly despite the shockwaves running through her. The two met eyes, and glared strongly at each other and each refusing to back down despite the difference in strength. “That heart…is mine.” Golden said, gritting her teeth as a slight pain shot through her hands. “I can’t…let you have it.” Maleficent refused to be deterred, and momentarily let go of the staff, ready to blast Golden to pieces with just one dark spell, powering it up between her fingers, the spell grew and became close to point blank range at Golden’s face. “Shut up, you miserable infant!” Maleficent shrieked hysterically. “You’re nothing! NOTHING!! And don’t even think you’ll have the upper hand, compared to me, your existence is laughable!!” The Evil Queen too pointed her hand at Golden, preparing to obliterate her, as long as they had the heart she didn’t care if the child was dead, and wasn’t ready to lose as she feared. “DIE you wretch!!” she screamed, and they unleashed their magic together. The blast was bright, despite its oozing dark energy. Pete covered his eyes to protect him from the light, the Coachman fuming that his next payment might be postponed. Opening their eyes, Golden was gone, and so was the heart. “The…the heart…?” said the Evil Queen, searching frantically where it might have gone, before grabbing at the Coachman’s collar, shaking him violently. “Where is it?! Where is the heart?!” The Coachman was outraged at this accusation. “It’s not me ya daft cow! Why not accuse ‘im over ‘ere?” he shouted back, pointing at Pete, who was equally annoyed at the tables being turned on him. “Now see here, I ain’t got nothing to do with it!” he protested. There in the corner, a small yellowish spark caught their eyes. Golden was crouched in the corner, the heart held tightly in her hands, it glitched brightly, and there it was, she couldn’t believe what was seeing. “Huh…? Wait, dad?” she whispered as a wispy blue magic rose from the heart, it gently brushed against her cheek, and felt warm and familiar. It brought a tear to her eye, he was still here, somewhat. “Thanks dad…I’m…gonna need your help.” 

Realising what was going on, the four villains rose up and prepared to attack the girl, the Evil Queen and Maleficent fired a barrage of spells toward her, but each one bounced off her, evaporating into thin air as if struck by a shield. “What da? How’s that possible?!” cried Pete, who was more than ready to charge forward and grab her himself. The blue magic twisted around Golden, wrapping around her like a blanket and glitching her away. Appearing at the opposite corner, Golden felt something else, a song with a pleasant melody, much like the ones she and Scout would compose together. And then another song, the one Yen Sid would sing for her. It was this song that brought her comfort when she was alone, trapped in that void of darkness, where she had been separated from her loved ones moments ago. She listened to the lyrics as they played in her mind, her lips parted, and she began to softly sing along. “Promise…as one does, I…I will protect you, at all costs…” She held the heart closer to her, it was like the warmth of home engulfing her as she felt inside it, the presence of Yen Sid, Scout, Mickey, Oswald, Starlight, Percy, Aero, Julius, Mum, Star…even the broomies. It was like they were all inside her heart, watching her, and providing her the comfort and support she craved right now as she faced four formidable opponents. “Keep you safe here…in my arms. I…I will protect you, at all costs…At all costs.” A light, much bigger than the one that glitched her away, she rose up high and felt her strength slowly return, and it wasn’t just hers. Inside her mind, a chorus of voices calling her name, and she recognised all of them. “I can feel it…” she whispered, tearfully smiling as the light shone around her, both warm and cool like a gentle summer breeze. “In my heart…you’re all here, I don’t know how but…I’m glad you’re with me.” The light began to shimmer and fade, revealing Golden with sparkling wings of a butterfly, they were much similar in appearance to the bat and butterfly spell, one she learned from her father by closely watching and experimenting, she loved the spell since she was little, as Yen Sid would perform the spell often, and it never ceased to amaze her. Her dress had transformed, from that of her little red robes to that of her beautiful, lilac dress adorned with moons, stars and planets that she had worn at the Christmas party, and her hat had changed to match. The villains were in complete bewilderment at what they saw, but Maleficent and the Evil Queen were growing more furious, the dark fairy brandishing her staff like a sword and pointing it directly at Golden. “That’s impossible! Whatever did you do, you nasty little beast?!” she shrieked, blasting a spell at Golden, who merely glitched away without much effort. “On the contrary, imPROBABLE!” Golden snarked, folding her hands in her sleeves much like her father would. “Luckily, I’m not a math or geography girl.” She unfolded her arms, revealing in her hands a sparkling orb of light and stardust, she flung her arms forward, shooting them down toward them. The Evil Queen blocked some of the stars by covering herself with her cape, but Maleficent, the Coachman and Pete were knocked back. “Pathetic attempt!” shouted the queen, “Even with your new makeup it's not enough to defeat us, especially the fairest of us…” Golden scowled, and thrusted her arm up, before throwing it back down, unleashing a spell of electricity toward the Evil Queen, shocking her to her core, much like when the queen had consumed the potion to transform her looks. Maleficent fought back the electric sparks by hitting them with her staff. “You ignorant fool.” she snarled venomously. “Just what do you hope to accomplish? Even if you do kill us, what then? Will your heart be fixed? Will you be free of this glitch? You’ll accomplish nothing!!” Golden sent out another wave of electricity, Maleficent tried to counter, but Golden aimed at her feet, causing the electrical sparks to shoot up from the bottom and avoid being blocked, Maleficent dropped her staff, seething as she shook suddenly from the bolts. “Listen here, hags!” Golden spat, looking down on the villains as if they were nothing she couldn’t face, and she wasn’t alone, not with the voices of all her family members providing her much needed assistance. “What happens to me, is a consequence of my actions. But what happens to THEM…that’s a variable I WILL control!” 

She performed a song cue, punching it forward, much like Scout would, and directed it at Pete, taking him out in seconds. Being the weakest villain without much magic or weapons of his own to use, he would have likely fled like last time. The Coachman unleashed his whip, and with one crack to the ground, he sent it toward Golden, leering nastily as he prepared to strike her. Golden turned swiftly, grabbing the whip in her hand, and giving the Coachman a rather smug grin. “Oi! You don’t get to do that!” The Coachman yelled, trying to pull the whip back with great force, but Golden, seemingly without any force, gave a pull on the whip, and pulled the Coachman forward into the air, and in direct contact with her. “SURPRISE CREEP!” she shouted smugly, and sent him down with a fast punch from another song cue. The Coachman landed with a crash, creating a crater in the marble ground. He groggily opened his eyes to see Golden floating above him, her wings gently flapping as the light bounced off them. “No please, I won’t harm you again!!” whined the Coachman, covering his eyes. “I promise, I swear it on their lives!” Golden cheekily tapped her chin, giving his words some thought. She grinned mischievously as she glared back down at him. “Mmm, sorry!” she responded. “But covering your eyes won’t help you this time. Taste the LIGHT, old chap!!” she blissfully sent a barrage of light magic into the crater, as if throwing them like cricket balls across a pitch, she almost burst into giggles at the fun she was having, she reckoned this is exactly how Percy would have done it. “Try thinking of this the next time you get cocky, I would call you Roachman, but there’s someone else out there with a title more deserving! And now you…” she glanced at the Evil Queen and Maleficent, and seeing their faces now, her joyful demeanour changed into that of pure hatred. To think that before, they laughed at her for failing, for being kidnapped, for dying almost, for crying when they destroyed her heart. She’d had enough, it was time to finish it with these two. “You two…think you’re sooo amazing? Don’t cha?” she growled, the butterfly wings turning slightly pink in the sun, and from her ire. “But you’re nothing more than petty, spiteful little bullies who think the world owes you everything! And for what? Being pretty? The audacity to not be invited to a baby shower? Puh-lease!! After everything you’ve done, NEITHER OF YOU DESERVE A HAPPILY EVER AFTER!” Golden descended quickly back to the floor, facing the two. In her hand, a bright, starry staff manifested into her palm, it reminded her of past memories, when she was really small…even if those memories were from long ago, they made up some of the happiest she ever was, even if she did consider herself a bit stupid. She felt her father’s power channelling through her as began to conjure her last attack, muttering an incantation that she knew or was an extension of this new strength, she gave the staff a fierce swing before slamming it down onto the ground. Stars, planets, rainbows, the sun…they all sprang from the tip of the staff as Golden’s heart glowed brighter than before. The Evil Queen was regretting putting down her staff earlier, two on one might have been easier and she wouldn’t just be using dark magic she had inside, she felt something that she didn’t think she’d ever feel in all her life. Fear. “What can we do now?!” she screeched at Maleficent, who remained quiet. The evil fairy gripped her own staff tightly, staring up at Golden as the attack reached them. “Tch, I’m not some puny fairy you can crush easily.” she hissed under her breath. “Not I…I’m the mistress of all evil!! And that is a child, I’m not about to let myself be defeated by some mere child! Not now, not ever!!” A dark hand emerged from their feet, looming toward Golden’s attack and crushing it within seconds, like it was nothing. Golden felt startled, and sensed a change in Maleficent. “Wha?” she whispered before the hands grabbed her, binding her tightly.

 Maleficent’s resolve had changed, and she was more determined than ever to kill the child. Golden struggled to breathe, but kept a hold on the staff. The dark hands brought her to Maleficent and the Evil Queen, staring down at her like she was completely helpless, the fingers of the dark hand squeezed her tighter, Golden could only mutter under her breath as she recited the saying… “The things that matter the most in sorcery…knowledge, understanding and appreciation…Keep focusing…focus Golden…” Long, thin fingers gripped her chin, forcing her to look up into the face of Maleficent, who already looked victorious. The Evil Queen stood by her, glaring menacingly, both of them ready to finish the job. “Oh my dear sweet girl…” Maleficent giggled, her voice sounding as evil as it did sweet with the tone she was using. “You’ll wish you’d never have been born. And with such a unique heart…who knows what I could do next? Every time I kill you, I’ll just revive you again and again, as many times as I want…I could strangle you until you are blue, perhaps stab you through the chest? Chop your head off? Oh there must be so many creative ways to kill you! Perhaps…a good old fashioned curse will do the trick? We will do as many times as we want, ALL of us!! Until you finally break, but that won’t happen, will it? Because you will be revived, over and over again…” Golden swallowed, feeling a little shaken from the way Maleficent was speaking to her so nonchalantly about killing her. She took a deep breath and exhaled, a smile forming on her face as she lifted an eyebrow before the mistress.”Oh yeah?” she said in a low voice. “Seems like you of all people think you’ll be the one to break me. Your resolve might have renewed, but guess what? It’s not the only one.” Twirling the starry staff in her hand, Golden gave it another slam down into the marble, the shockwave almost knocking Maleficent and the Evil Queen off of their feet, the evil fairy remained upright, but Golden’s resolve was great, she could feel it. “I don’t care if you go for me.” Golden continued, finally breaking out of the dark hands as the binding weakened from the shock of her attack. “But know this, NOBODY…touches my family, especially not you! And…and if I have to walk through hell and back, as many times as possible to keep them from getting hurt, so be it! That’s exactly what I’ll do!!” Golden swung her staff, sending hundreds of stars hurtling toward the villains. Maleficent fell backward, letting go of her staff briefly, the Evil Queen tried to reach for it but a sudden strike to the chest from Golden knocked her out cold. One more to go, and Golden felt her resolve strengthen again. “With all that said…” Golden grinned, summoning the butterfly to manifest completely, her wings disappearing as the creature emerged, Golden hopping up onto its back. “You won’t ever, EVER break me! I won’t let you.” Maleficent gave a smirk, it seemed the girl was getting in over her head. This butterfly looked ready to challenge her mighty dragon, but that should come soon, once she made Golden eat her words. “Ahh…pity pity…” Maleficent sighed, “It’s come to this then? What a shame. And to think I was looking forward to seeing you scream and cry for mercy. There were SO many things I wished to do to you. Slicing your throat open, or perhaps crushing that pretty little heart of yours. I bet that would have been just as painful as when I used it as a pin cushion!” Golden cringed a little, feeling a sudden chill down her back. She shook it off, shaking her head violently as she let the butterfly take charge. It gave a mighty flap of its wings, sending stars and magic down on Maleficent like bullets, but the dark fairy wasn’t finished there. “Ohoho and get this! Wouldn’t it be so amusing to watch you hang? How primitive of me! But I could have also sent thousands upon thousands of hot knives piercing your skin! Oh such a shame…if only you could have been a good little girl and let us use you for a much better purpose.” Golden looked ready to strike down Maleficent herself already to get her to shut up. “MY FUTURE IS MY OWN TO CHOOSE!!” she yelled, angry, blinding tears filling her eyes. “You don’t get to choose that for me!! This life is mine!” Maleficent snickered, before bursting into a cackle that many knew from her. Her eyes looked manic and disturbed, but Golden didn’t back down despite her fear and anger and pure hatred toward the fairy. “IS IT REALLY?!” shrieked Maleficent, now ready to slam down her own staff, looking ready for the next stage, transformation. “This life you currently have wasn’t yours to choose was it?! You never had any choice during the last eight years you’ve been alive!! Being born? Almost kidnapped? Ending up as one of Yen Sid’s brats? Those were never of your own volition! Face it child, you never had to choose. But be thankful there are others out there to do the job for you…” Golden could see the imagery, all those thoughts running through her mind, she wasn’t a tool to be used, as much as she tried to tell herself it was hard to shake off. She clenched her fists, a snarl escaping her lips. The butterfly soared high above Maleficent as she kept going on and on, getting further into Golden’s head. Enough was enough, Golden had one more move up her sleeve, it would be a drastic move, but after everything that happened earlier, it was a last resort to save her loved ones from evil.

 “You talk too much.” said Golden, clapping her hands once, the impact echoed through the heavens and the butterfly charged at full speed at Maleficent, shutting her up out of surprise and finally knocking her down. This powerful attack weakened the dark fairy quite considerably, and she struggled to get up, slowly shuffling toward the staff on her hands and knees, but she was out of luck and time as Golden had picked it up before she could make it. “That future you envisioned?” asked Golden, promptly throwing Maleficent’s staff aside, it landed a few inches from the unconscious Evil Queen. “Forget it. It’s only one probability in a million. And whatever it takes, I’m NOT letting it happen.” Maleficent snarled one more time as Golden raised her own staff, and blasted the villain directly in the chest with a powerful spell, thus knocking her out along with the rest of them. The young girl held her staff in both hands, and lifted it up to the sky, the butterfly flew in one circular pattern, opening up the heavens and disappearing, leaving the light realm open. The gateway opened with a beam of the purest light, engulfing the villains and pulling them in just like before, Golden watched as they disappeared into the realm, before it closed up again, leaving her alone in the clouds. “Phew…” Golden fell to her knees, her heart pounding heavily. She placed her fingers delicately over her chest, and felt the touch of the blue magic, as if it was squeezing her hand back in reassurance. “Dad…? I think…I did it. It’s over.” She lifted her head, searching around for her butterfly, it was no longer around. And as the sun vanished over the clouds, the bright orange hue left Golden slightly dazed. She got up, and began wandering about, hoping to find a way back down to the earth, she felt tired and was desperate to rest, and fell forward…landing on a soft, fluffy cloud that felt as cosy as a bed, she was ready to go to sleep right then and there, but something caught her eye as she flipped onto her back. “Hmm?” There, the moon, looking down on her like a giant star itself, but it was no star, it was heart shaped. And something in Golden gave her the urge to wave at it. The stars were starting to come out, all surrounding the moon as Golden felt herself floating aimlessly, and smoothly through the sky. “...go back to them. I’ll…rest here a little.” she whispered, her hand covering her chest, just enough to soothe the pain and the soft, continuous glow. The stars around the moon reminded her so much of her papa’s hat, she hoped they wouldn’t be too worried when they reunited, wherever and whenever that would be, she did however want to celebrate her victory, without them she wouldn’t have one. “Go…I insist…” The magic began to waver, slowly leaving the safety of her heart, and opening the long gateway back down to where her family should be, waiting for her. At least that’s what she hoped for, she would hate to be a burden to them for what happened to her, to all of them. “It’s…so nice here…That mirror…” she thought, her throat closing slightly as she became so tired, briefly blinking as she kept her eyes locked on the beautiful stars and the large, pale moon they formed around, she lifted her hand again, reaching out to it, and trying to touch it. “That mirror told me a lot of possible things that…could have happened, been done in fact…did I make the right choice…? My wish was…already granted. Dad…if you and the others can hear me, I’m sorry. I promise I won’t ever burden you again, or cause trouble for anyone.”

The clouds opened in the sky, allowing small droplets of rain to fall down into the trees and the worn out castle ruins. It wasn’t a heavy downpour, but down below the broomies all scattered trying to find the nearest shelter, one of them even huddling inside Yen Sid’s robes. “Relax.” the sorcerer chuckled, trying to coax the broom out. “I find the rain quite…relaxing.” Scout sighed as she came up beside him, with Starlight nestled on her shoulder, sniffling softly. Mickey, Julius and Oswald stood by, each of them holding a small piece of the back of Yen Sid’s robe as it trailed down to the ground. “What…are we supposed to do now?” asked Julius sadly, tugging on his father’s attire gently. Yen Sid could only sigh, how was he supposed to answer? It was night now, and Golden was gone, perhaps for certain this time. He turned slowly to look at his boys, giving each of them a gentle rub on the head, ruffling their fur a little. “Oh, look at you boys…” he said in a loving tone. “If we stay out here any longer, we’ll all get wet, and possibly ill.” He got down on one knee before them, bringing all three into a warm embrace, to bring them comfort and much needed shelter from the weather. He looked around slightly, seeing Mum talking to Aero, her hand on her shoulder. Star snuggled in Aero’s palms comfortably. Percy wandered about trying to look for any solutions, and perhaps find where the brooms had gone. Everyone’s attention was soon caught by a light, like a long tunnel that extended from the clouds to the ground. A blue, wispy magic descended down, flowing toward Yen Sid, and gently landing in his hands, it was like what he had lost had now returned to him. The magic then bounced to Percy, Scout, Mum, Mickey, Oswald, Julius, Aero, Star and Starlight, they all felt the magic, and Golden’s presence. “Golden…?” murmured Starlight, looking up as something slowly lowered, both Yen Sid and Percy reached out to catch her, the young, beaten and exhausted girl landing as gracefully as a fallen feather into their arms. “Lumen!” said Percy, bringing her down to ground with Yen Sid, letting her head rest on her father’s lap. “Golden…” sighed Yen Sid, looking down at his small daughter, stroking her hair and parting it from her face. “Mmm, you’ve done so well.” Golden’s eyes opened up weakly, as each of her family members came into view. She could cry from seeing their faces again, but at this point was just a little too tired. “Papa…” she croaked, lifting a weary hand. “Was…was I…brave?” Yen Sid gave her a warm, kindly smile, and nodded. “You were very brave,” he replied proudly. “You never, ever cease to amaze me.” A light giggle escaped Golden’s throat, smiling wider as Yen Sid took her hand. “I…I never would have done it without…any of you.” Golden closed her eyes, and went into a deep sleep. Mum reached for her other hand, and very softly tried to rouse her. “Golden…? Sweetheart?” she whispered. “It…it’s alright.” Everyone else did their best to rouse her out of her sleep, Percy even tried a little healing magic to try and ease her wounds and fix them. “Here, Lumen, this should help!” he said cheerfully. “I’m not very good, but I’ll do as best as I can!” Golden opened one, peering at Percy as he tried to heal her, and she was grateful. She tried to keep up a happy front, but her heart still felt weak, and she struggled to stay strong in the presence of her family. She took out her heart, letting it float above her chest. Her family could see just how fragile it was, given what it had endured. “Oh my goodness!” cried Julius. “Dad, can you heal her heart? Look at it!” Yen Sid took a look at the heart, gently taking it between his fingers, there was a faint glow iminating inside it. He gave a low and sad sigh.“I can try my best,” he said. “but healing magic can only heal so much, what’s damaged beyond repair cannot be fixed.” Percy finished on his healing, patching only as much as he could on Golden, she still seemed so weak. “Master, if you and I heal her together…” he said, panting slightly as so much healing had used a lot of his strength and focus. “She will be fixed in no time! We can’t give up…” Yen Sid was unsure of how much they could fully repair, her heart contained cracks, and holes from where the pins were jammed in. He sighed softly, and took Percy’s hand to hold the heart with him, only hoping that the healing magic they provided was enough. The heart slowly began to look neater, and more stable, but it still throbbed terribly. Mum took the heart in her own hands, examining it as its glow started to dim. “It looks like her heart has healed physically,” she stated, “but only by a little…it’s not quite complete. She hasn’t healed emotionally, she has been through such an ordeal…no child in the world should ever have to go through what you did, Golden.” 

Golden coughed, which shook her body more than usual, even as she tried to speak through her coughing, she didn’t want to appear sad before them. “I’m…so sorry.” she wheezed, looking paler than before. “Everyone, all I did was scare you…and hurt you. I…I probably made you cry too…” Oswald rubbed at his eyes, trying not to look sad in front of his little sister. “Don’t worry about it!” he cried, giving her a smile. “We’re a family! And family looks out for each other, even when we are scared. All we want is for you to be safe.” Mickey nodded with him, putting a hand on his brother’s shoulder supportively. “He’s right!” he chirped. “After this, when you’re better, we’ll all go home! All of us!” Golden managed a perfect smile, and coughed one final time as a small tear leaked from her eye. “I’d…like that.” she whispered, sounding happy for the first time today. “I would love to…go home…and…spend my life with you…all.” Closing her eyes, Golden looked at peace. The throbbing of her heart slowed, and the golden glow had finally dimmed as it floated above her chest. Everyone was quiet for a moment, only moving closer to one another, to be around Golden. Their hearts beating in unison when hers couldn’t. A light encased them, it was warm, and somehow familiar, like a visitor from long ago. Everyone felt their hearts feel lighter, as if they too were floating. Golden’s small, broken heart was feeling cold, but in this new light, it felt safe and started to warm up, and glow again. Everyone was still, but they could feel their hearts together, forming a protective shield around Golden’s own. “Golden…we love you so much…” said Aero, leaning closer to her friend, but unable to open her eyes, from both the bright light and the fact her friend was lying there losing life by the second. “Please stay strong, don’t give up…” Julius started purring as he nuzzled his sister’s small hand. “You’ve got this!” He cheered softly. “I…I always believed in you!” Mum and Percy smiled and allowed the brooms to squeeze in snugly to the group. “We all do.” murmured Percy, watching the girl’s heart beginning to shine. “Always remember that, okay Lumen?” Golden’s heart was as bright as the shining light from above, and grew larger than before, as each member of her family gave her all their love, their encouragement, their protection, until the heart became a pure white gold. The light from the sky began to fade, and despite everyone’s terrible exhaustion, they felt relieved somehow, watching as the small golden heart floated down, back where it belonged with its rightful owner. The rain ceased, and all that was left in the sky was the moon, which shone down on a now stirring girl. “Mm, what?” Golden whispered, feeling the pain in her chest had eased, making it easier for her to sit up. “I feel so warm…oh no, am I dead?” Her answer was met by a quick tackle from Starlight, who tearfully hugged her friend and clung tightly to her dress. “No! You’re here!” she squeaked happily. “You’re here Golden! Are you okay? You don’t feel hurt?” Golden felt her chest, her heart was beating normally, feeling for anything else, Golden did not feel any hurt or pain, in fact, she felt anew. “I’m…I’m okay, Starlight.” she said to the little glowworm, proceeding to hold her in her arms as someone else hugged her, Golden looked up to see her father, who was giving an unusual, but positively genuine smile. “I knew you could do it.” he told her warmly, “Because that is who you are, Golden. Even when you face the toughest battles, you will always come out on top.” Golden’s eyes widened, her pupils dilating as she leaned into his hug. “You…mean that?” she said, “And…I’m not a burden? Or a problem?” Yen Sid looked a tad surprised by these words, but nevertheless continued to smile and shake his head. “No, you’re not a burden.” he answered, lifting her chin up a little to look at her. “You’re my daughter. Blood or not, that changes nothing. I’m glad to call you as such, and I’m so proud of you.” 

Everyone else leaned in to get a taste of the hug, Star flew from Aero’s shoulder and into Golden’s hands, hugging her along with Starlight. The boys were all in a line as they got in close, not letting each other go as they formed an embrace, and trying to avoid being broken apart by the brooms who all wanted to get a hug from Golden. “Broomies!” she cried happily, all of them shuffling and clanking as they held her and ruffled her hair, throwing her up in the air in celebration that she was back. “Dang kid, you got us worried!” laughed Scout, grabbing Golden and giving her a little swing. “If you died I would have jumped right into the afterlife and pulled you back!” Golden laughed, giving her big sister an embrace in return. “Sorry Scout!” she giggled, “I won’t do it again! I mean come on, this was just some crazy villain scheme…hehe…I promise I’ll be good and won’t die again!” Oswald thumped his big bunny feet on the ground and scowled. “YOU BETTER NOT!” he yelled, pointing a finger at Golden. “I swear you’ll give us all heart attacks! And that’s no picnic!” Yen Sid chuckled, patting Oswald on the head and squeezing the base of his ears to calm him. “Indeed. You better keep that promise, love. After all, my old heart can only take so much.” he said, almost getting knocked down by a blubbering Percy. “AND MINE!!” he wailed loudly. “Like I said, thirty is YOUNG!! Don’t do that to us, Lumen!” Golden nodded, feeling a little embarrassed but incredibly happy that her family were happy she was okay, and that she was back with them. As Scout set her back down, Golden ran over to give Percy a hug. “Ha-ha, speaking of hugs…” Mickey grinned, giving Yen Sid a nudge with his elbow. “I believe you said after all this was over, you’d give us all a hug? One of your very best?” Yen Sid playfully rolled his eyes but did not deny it, he owed them all a good hug, and with night now set in, it was time to get back to the workshop. He clapped his hands, and put on a loud, announcer voice. “So everyone,” he began in earnest. “Let’s get back to the workshop, where there will be hugs, and fresh hot chocolate for everyone. After today, I think we’ve all earned it, yes?” Everyone agreed and raised their hands, and the brooms all raised both of their hands, which made Golden laugh, how could brooms drink hot chocolate? “Yeah, let's get home!” smiled Aero, taking Golden’s hand as Yen Sid took the other. Golden looked at everyone right before they teleported, getting one last glimpse of them all in the beautiful moonlight. “It’ll be good to be home.”

The next day rolled around, and most were sleeping in after spending essentially two entire days fighting for their lives. One person, though, was up and at ‘em, Percy zooming through the halls and trying to find anyone to hang out with- even the brooms were asleep on the job! He huffed and gently knocked on Golden’s door, who yawned as she awoke, giving him a sleepy smile. “Good morning lumen! How are you feeling today?” he grinned, ruffling her hair and making her giggle slightly. “I’m okay. Just a little sleepy. It’s nice having everyone in the house, though, especially Aero and Star!” she replied, Percy gently sitting down on the bed and giving her a wide smile. “It certainly is different, but the master is happy about it too. And happy master means happy me, haha!” he chuckled, Golden giggling at her silly uncle-brother. Though she was still bed-bound, under the master’s orders, she couldn’t help but want to practise magic, especially after seeing how many amazing spells she’d been able to do during that fight! Perhaps someday she could perfect all the magic in the world, except dark magic because it was forbidden, and only used by idiots. Nevertheless, Percy gave her a cheeky grin. “Well, Scout and Mum said they’ll head out today to the Shoal to get some new sounds for an oceanic composition. Though honestly? You’d be better to find unique ones if you actually WENT to the beach, but they’ll make do.” he shrugged, Golden folding her arms and pouting. “Aw man, I would’ve gone with them!” she groaned, Percy shaking his head with a smile. “Buuuuut?” he smiled, Golden rolling her eyes. “But the MASTER says to rest.” She moaned, facepalming and Percy chuckling slightly. “Exactly! Though it’s amusing you’re back to calling him that, normally you’re all “dad” this and “papa” that! What happened?” he grinned, Golden giving him a playful punch on the arm. “It’s not on purpose you dolt! He’s just the master when he’s being GrumpySid, haha!” she smiled, Percy raising his eyebrows with a silly grin, before flopping back onto her bed. “Ayy! You’re squishing my legs!” she giggled, trying to push him off, before they were both interrupted by a grumpy yell from under the covers. “SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!!!” Starlight called, Percy realising he’d sat on her and promptly apologising for disturbing her, especially after she was all worn out from the fight AND protecting dreams. Golden took her into her arms and gently laid her down on the pillow, pulling Starlight’s white blanket over her and letting her sleep, giving her a tiny kiss on the head. “Sweet dreams.” she whispered, Starlight already snoozing but with a cute little smile on her face, making both of them giggle quietly. Surprisingly, she wasn’t talking in her sleep, but maybe she was so worn out that she couldn’t even dream. 

“Hmmm…all this conversation about the master being a grump reminds me of something!” Percy chuckled, before zooming upstairs, surprising Golden as he flew out and made all her hair fly around, the girl quickly locking her door and getting dressed in a comfy robe, quickly running into the bathroom and playing a silly game in her head of racing before Percy came back. And she succeeded, leaving the light man confused as to how she zoomed around so fast, but smiling all the same. He pulled out his photo album, and opened it to a page, one depicting all the apprentices of Master Grey. “Do you remember I told you all about him?” Percy asked, Golden nodding, before a cheeky smile crossed her face. “Yep, I remember Bastard Grey!” she giggled, Percy summoning a light ball and putting it over her mouth, pretending to be cross as he muffled her speech. “Hehe, we’ll stick to his actual name, alright lumen? Wouldn’t want the master overhearing!” he chuckled, a little nervous since Yen Sid had huge amounts of respect for his master, despite the old man being an absolute grouch. He turned the pages, revealing an image that shimmered slightly, Golden looking down at it in curiosity. It appeared to be a young Yen Sid standing in a forest, one covered in pine and snow, Percy smiling. “What’s that one?” she asked, Percy waving his hand over it and the image starting to glimmer and glow. “That’s your father, many, many years ago. And a little secret about some of these photos…some of them are memories that have been captured on the page, as a single moment frozen in time.” he smiled, the room suddenly going dark around them and the page emitting a fog, much like the memory spells, except this one surrounded both of them. Percy whispered an incantation, and the room shifted and changed around them…they’d gone to the past! “Welcome, lumen, to Yen Sid’s childhood! I’ve got one heck of a story about this day!” Percy grinned, taking her hand as the memory became clear around them.

An old workshop, definitely not belonging to Yen Sid, but with many different books and even a map with several pins, as if marking the places one had been. Yen Sid’s workshop was warmer than this one, this place had a cold, firm atmosphere that wasn’t helped by the few windows. Though it helped the old wizard inside concentrate, it made the place look rather gloomy. Golden was shocked to discover she could move around in the memory, moving closer to an old man writing at his desk, though he didn’t notice her, not even when she waved her hand in front of his face. “Illusions, lumen. They can’t see nor hear you.” Percy gently explained, Golden nodding and continuing to look all around the shelves. “Fire magic…history of spells…” she mused, staring at all the various books lining them, before coming to a calendar. “24th…December?! But it doesn’t look Christmassy at all!” she crowed, before being startled as the door to the workshop flung open, a boy holding a pile of books walking in, poking his head around them with a goofy grin. “Master! I finished organising everything, just these ones left.” he smiled, the man at the desk not even looking up, Golden sticking her tongue out at him for being rude. The kid put down the books, Golden getting a proper look at who he was, and then stumbling back in surprise- it was YEN SID! He was so much smaller, he didn’t have a beard or anything- in fact, he only looked a few years older than her. He had auburn hair, an orange robe and blue clothes underneath, and a bright orange training hat, his grey eyes shining slightly as he put the books back in their places. “Um, sir? This place STIIILL isn’t decorated!” he whined, the old wizard finally looking up- right out of the pictures, it was Master Grey!! His familiar stern stare was present on his face right now. Cheekily, Golden caught Percy’s eye and imitated it, the light man collapsing into laughter and trying to get her to keep focusing on the memory, though she seemed to want to be a menace at the present moment. Nevertheless, Master Grey rose from his seat. “Too much trouble for me, I’ve got lots of work to do. This is a sorcerer’s workshop, not Santa’s grotto.” he rolled his eyes, the young Yen Sid putting his hands on his hips with a defiant look. “But Master! We have to do something! It’s our fifth Christmas here, surely that means something?” he whined, Master Grey reaching down as he passed the young boy and pulling his hat over his face, Yen Sid’s muffled yells inside making the old sorcerer smirk slightly. “Yen Sid, you know how we do things around here. You’ll get a story tonight, lessons in the morning, and half a day off tomorrow.” he coaxed, the young boy still looking slightly sullen, though brightening up when two familiar voices rang through the halls.

“Stop shoving me, Ambrose!!” Vidor called, running down the spiral stairs toward the workshop, Ambrose following behind and retorting “not my fault you’re so fat!” Both of them practically tumbled in, Ambrose adjusting his glasses slightly- before realising he’d fallen atop Vidor, who pushed his black hair out of his eyes with a groan. “Get off me!!!” he whined, Ambrose jumping up and apologising, offering his hand. Master Grey rolled his eyes slightly, but Yen Sid waved at them, the two boys running up to him and asking him what he was doing. “I assume you’re all done with your chores?” Master Grey asked, Ambrose nodding eagerly whilst Vidor looked a little sheepish. “Um…well…Ambrose said we should play!” he grinned, Ambrose whacking him on the arm. “That was YOUR idea! I thought you were done!” he groaned, Master Grey looking down at Vidor with a slightly sterner gaze. “Vidor…what didn’t you get done? You’ll be doing it on Christmas Day if you’re not careful, whippersnapper!” he spoke, Vidor seeming to shrink down in his robes slightly at the thought. “Ahhh, okay, I just didn’t sweep yet, I’ll get RIGHT to it!” he insisted, grabbing a broom and running back upstairs, Yen Sid and Ambrose failing to hold in their laughter. “Well, can we play at least?” Ambrose asked, Master Grey giving a nod, before reaching down once more, except this time it was to fix Ambrose’s hat, it was askew slightly. “Yes, you may. But be reasonable, don’t do anything naughty!” he insisted, the boys nodding and running up to their rooms, where the other apprentices were all playing various games or chatting. Lufte and Selvenus were playing chess, Airia and Chiria were drawing, and Yen Sid gave a cheeky wave to Vidor, who was sweeping and stubbornly gave him a frustrated look in response. It was so unfair! How come everyone else was done so much faster than him? He huffed and continued to sweep, but wasn’t feeling particularly christmassy at that moment.

“Wow, they’re a lot like us!” Golden chimed in, Percy nodding and smiling at the younger apprentices. “Indeed, they all were like siblings hehe. But nobody was closer than those three.” he pointed at Vidor, Ambrose and Yen Sid, the latter two discussing a plan Yen Sid had formed, a plan to surprise Master Grey! “Look, I know it’ll work! I just have to get out of here first, and for that I need your help!” he whispered, Ambrose looking slightly nervous and fiddling with his robe sleeves. “You’re sure it’ll work? What if he gets angry?” he whispered, glancing out slightly as the sun was starting to set. “Look, I won't be long! I just heard of something in town that might be useful, and I know where to go! Trust me, okay?” he replied, Ambrose uncertainly nodding. He almost wished he could go too, but he was a bit of a goody-two shoes, he hated getting in trouble, so he would obey the rules. Yen Sid thanked him and they ran separate ways, Vidor eyeing Ambrose slightly as he ran back down into the workshop, intending to stall the master long enough that Yen Sid could surprise him!

Yen Sid bolted through the forest, using a back door in the kitchen that he’d discovered one day, and headed down a path, the memory following him. “Where’s he going?” Golden asked, Percy shrugging slightly. “You shall see.” he grinned, the twinkling lights of the town coming into view from afar, Yen Sid giving a grin. He ran into a nearby tavern, the entire place decorated from rafter to floor, tinsel and garlands everywhere, ribbons, wreaths…and a beautiful tree, sparkling in the centre of it all! There was music playing, several people dancing and chatting…the young apprentice looked a little out of place amongst it all, as he’d seen several of them before, though he wasn’t sure how to approach them. But none of that mattered, the boy suddenly being snapped out of his thoughts as a little candy-cane ornament rolled toward his shoes, Yen Sid picking it up and gently hanging it back up, right next to a tiny christmas tree. A young girl offered for Yen Sid to dance with her, the boy looking slightly shy, and she was soon swept up by another, Golden chuckling slightly. “Awww, he was a bit shy!” she smiled, Percy nodding. “Yep, staying inside with just your siblings isn’t the best way to live, but he got by. And hey, perhaps he’s got someone else in mind…” he winked, Golden remembering just how pink Yen Sid had gone when Uncle Ambrose had mentioned a crush and giggling slightly. 

The young boy soon turned, noticing a bartender approaching him, and he gave a smile. “Hmm, are you wondering how we decorated the tree?” he asked, Yen Sid looking a little flustered but nodding awkwardly, the man giving a kind and warm smile, before whistling. From the rafters above, a beautiful Christmas Angel appeared. “Ah, something you need, monsieur?” Angelique spoke, fluttering down and the man catching her in his palms, Yen Sid entranced by the enchanted ornament. “Nothing from me, Angelique, this young man here just wants to know how you decorated the place. He’s curious about the tree.” the bartender smiled, the angel jumping into Yen Sid’s palms, who held them out in surprise and the two being left to converse. “Oui! Well, everyone knows the lights go on first. Then the tinsel- oh if you are not careful it gets everywhere, what a bother! It’s a question of care and precision! And then we add the decorations and ribbons, they fly!” she grinned, Yen Sid looking down at her in amazement, reminding Percy of Golden- they’d had the same exact expression. He ruffled his little sister’s hair, which surprised her slightly, and they continued to watch. The ornaments on the tree swung side to side, as if responding. “Oui, you all fly so marvellously! C’est incroyable!” she chuckled, Yen Sid feeling a warmth as he looked at the spectacle. “Say…will you help me decorate somewhere?” he asked, the angel looking at him in surprise. “Mmmm…I do have a tight schedule this year, what with the nativity, the master’s own party, ah, even the school wanted my help…” she trailed off, though, when she noticed the look in Yen Sid’s eyes, a desperate look, as if he’d found just what he needed. The angel sighed, and then smiled. “Mon Dieu, what do I get myself into. But of course! Let me just gather some more decorations, and we may set off immediatement! Tell me, just what is this place like?” she asked, Golden putting her hands on her hips. “Dark, cold, and miserable!” she grinned, Percy playfully pulling her hat down over her face, and Yen Sid rolled his eyes. “Well…around this time of year, dark, cold, and downright miserable!” he chuckled, Golden turning to Percy with her eyes shining. “Hey, that’s what I said!” she grinned, Percy shrugging. “You are your father’s daughter!” he chuckled, the two watching as Angelique created a trail of ornaments just as before, though something else caught Golden’s eye. Yen Sid was staring down at the presents, likely wondering what he would get this year, though perhaps there was something else on the boy’s mind…he did have that twinkle in his eye that Percy knew all too well. 

They headed back to Master Grey’s workshop, a castle somehow bigger than the one Yen Sid owned, though it was definitely darker in colour, and covered in icicles. It was freezing outside as the sun had gone down, though it was still not quite evening, but nevertheless, Angelique had to shake a lot of snow off her halo on the way! Yen Sid led them all through the back door, where he spotted Ambrose in the greenhouse, who gave him a silent thumbs up, before he suddenly bumped into someone wandering around in the kitchen. Vidor was returning his broom, and hadn’t noticed him as the lights were off. “Hey, who’s there?! I’ll whack you with my broom!” the elder apprentice threatened, Yen Sid immediately rushing for the lightswitch, the ornaments staying outside a moment. “Ah, it’s me!!” he crowed, Vidor raising an eyebrow in suspicion. “Why are you in here? I thought you were with Ambrose…but I can’t find him either.” Vidor sighed, Yen Sid fumbling slightly as he tried to think of a lie. “Ummm…uhhhh….I was….just….ummm……looking for candy canes!! Aha!!” he grinned, awkwardly. Vidor raised an eyebrow, but shrugged nonchalantly. “Meh, just don’t get caught. I don’t want to be the reason we get no Christmas!” he sighed, putting the broom down and walking out. Yen Sid peeked outside, Angelique had her arms folded, several icicles having formed on her halo. “We are going to freeze if you don’t let us in, and I will not be happy about that!” she yelled, Yen Sid miming for her to zip her lips as another apprentice passed by, quietly leading them in. “Ahhh, how to get you all put up without anyone seeing?” he wondered, before suddenly tripping over a bucket lying on the floor, falling with a crash and the ornaments running to hide behind the nearby desk. Master Grey ran over. “Uh ohhh!” Percy chuckled, Golden worried if her dad was hurt, but Yen Sid just dusted himself up, with a slightly nervous laugh. “Goodness, boy. If you’re not careful you’ll trip over your own shadow.” Master Grey groaned, Ambrose peeking around and Vidor watching from above, leaning on the balcony railing and observing the conversation. “Sorry, haha! I should be more careful.” Yen Sid smiled, but looked grateful as Master Grey offered his hand to help him up, Ambrose running over and wondering what to do now. “I do have a book I should read, though, so if you two don’t mind…” the old master trailed off, heading toward his desk- right toward where the ornaments were hiding, and Angelique! “Ah, wait! You still didn’t tell me about the plants on the other end! Please, master?” Ambrose pleaded, meeting Yen Sid’s eyes subtly, who winked. “Ambrose…” Master Grey sighed, but the boy had big pleading eyes now, and Master Grey couldn’t help but oblige. It was Christmas Eve, the least he could do was help the young apprentice identify some plants. He took Ambrose’s hand, Yen Sid grinning, and then he motioned for the ornaments to come out, Vidor secretly watching from above as they flew around the entire workshop, Yen Sid shushing them as they clattered and clinked. Vidor rushed off, now certain something was going on, but he didn’t know if he should tell or stay quiet. 

A while later, Master Grey opened the door to his workshop, before himself and Ambrose gasped at the sight in front of them. Every desk was covered in tinsel, the chandelier was decorated much like a tree itself, ornaments and baubles decorating it, whilst the bookshelves were adorned with lights and garlands, a sight that caused both of them to smile, even Master Grey. “Woah, I’ve never seen the old man smile so much!” Percy grinned, impressed, before Vidor suddenly ran down the stairs. “Oh, hi master!” he giggled, Master Grey turning in surprise. “Vidor, was this you?” he asked, the eldest apprentice looking confused for a moment, but…this was an opportunity to make Master Grey happy with him. He gave a nod, but unbeknownst to him, Golden folded her arms. “He didn’t do anything!! That’s not fair!” she growled, Percy nodding. “I think he wants to be a part of it too.” he explained, Vidor smiling brightly as Master Grey reached down to pat his head. “That was a kind thing to do, though I didn’t give you permission.” the old sorcerer shrugged, Vidor going red slightly, before Ambrose tugged at Master Grey’s arm. “Um, sir…that’s not-” he began, but Vidor’s glare cut him off. “Master, can you show me a spell, please?” Vidor chimed in, opening his book and Ambrose being forgotten about in a matter of moments, the younger boy pouting and walking off in a huff, meeting Yen Sid halfway. 

“Did he like it?! Did he smile?” Yen Sid asked, before realizing Ambrose looked quite sad. “Vidor…he pretended he did it! He took all our credit!” he groaned, Yen Sid now pouting too, both boys folding their arms. “Not fair!” Yen Sid whined, before turning to Ambrose. “Wait a second…haha, he wants a challenge! Alright Vidor, let’s see what you’re made of!” he smirked, the two of them forming a plan and heading out once more, Angelique observing Vidor and wondering why he would do such a thing.

“Man, Master Grey is crankier than a worn-out wheel!” Yen Sid chortled, Ambrose laughing as they walked into a different part of the town, both boys holding hands and wearing some travelling coats, they hoped nobody would notice their absence. They found themselves on a corner, where the town was much more lively now that evening was drawing near. There were carollers, a parade, and music blaring from every corner. It was slightly hard for them to hear each other over the crowd, so they had to yell, and eventually Yen Sid bumped into someone whilst trying to find a certain store, falling over. “Oh, sorry! My fault, I wasn’t…” he trailed off when he noticed just who was in front of him, a young boy wizard much like himself, with spectacles and wearing light blue, from another teacher. The fellow apprentice helped him up, Ambrose chuckling slightly, and they greeted their friend. “Merlin? What are you doing out here in town?” he asked, Merlin smiling. “I could ask the same! What are you two doing here?! If your master finds out you’re here alone I think we’ll all know about it!” he replied, Yen Sid smiling slightly and Ambrose averting their eyes, both guilty as charged. “Okay yes we’re here alone…but don’t tell him that, will ya?” Yen Sid replied, cupping both hands over Merlin’s mouth, who rolled his eyes. “What good would it do me? I’d probably get a talking to myself! But watch yourself. I’m here with my friend, that lady in the shop over there who’s training to be a fairy godmother!” he explained, pointing and Yen Sid suddenly going pink, Ambrose hiding a laugh. “She’s here?! Oh, uh, ahaha!! Gotta go Merlin!” Yen Sid laughed, pulling Ambrose alone, who was chortling and already looking for ways to irritate his brother. “What?! Oh blast, I wasn’t finished! I hope you two know what you’re doing, I’ve seen Grey’s temper!!” Merlin crowed, Yen Sid slyly turning to Ambrose and leaning toward him. “Yeah, yeah, but master bastard isn’t here, is he?” he chuckled, Ambrose laughing equally as cheekily. From his reserved temperament it was easy to assume he was the docile, quiet type, but he had an appetite for mischief just like his brother, and thus was always dragged into whatever hijinks were planned. 

“Hey Percy? When he said something about a fairy godmother trainee…could it be?” Golden piped up, Percy smiling. “Why, by Jove, I think you’re right!” He grinned, Golden piecing it together. “The same…the same one who took in Asha and did some training for Aero too?? Ohhh, I have to ask her later!” She smiled, Percy grinning and nodding, the two watching as the boys entered the shop, passing a band. It felt as if the memory was a little too fast for them to keep up, but it was likely just Yen Sid’s lovestruck haste. The bell rang as they walked in, though unlike Ambrose, Yen Sid was staring not at the potential presents, but at a very pretty young lady, wearing a smaller version of the hood that everyone was so familiar with. “Wow, she’s so pretty!” Golden piped up, Percy giving a smirk and pointing, “I think someone else agrees, mmm?” he smiled. Yen Sid eyed up some mistletoe and felt a blush spreading across his face- even his ears went red, but he moved slightly closer to the fairy godmother, who hadn’t quite noticed him yet, staring at some of the pretty wands on display. “Ah, um! It appears we are…standing under…aha!! M-Mistletoe!” Yen Sid giggled, the fairy godmother turning and giving a slight smile, a small blush appearing in her own cheeks. “Hehe, so it does! Why, are you looking for love, Yen Sid?” she chuckled, Ambrose making a funny little “ooooh” sound under his breath, before pulling a face as Yen Sid subtly stepped on his foot to shut him up. The fairy godmother gave him a little wink, before giving a hug instead of a kiss, Yen Sid returning it gently. “Now, Grey doesn’t know you two are here, does he?” she whispered, both boys stiffening up slightly, but she just giggled. “I had a hunch, you can’t lie to save your lives!” she smiled, Yen Sid shrugging. “Well, we’re here to find the old man a gift! But we don’t know what, yet.” he admitted, the fairy godmother thinking a moment, before staring down at a few quills on display. “What about something he’d find useful, like one of these?” she offered, both boys looking down at the box. The quills in question were beautiful, tiny symbols and sayings etched into them, varying so each was unique. Eventually, after a little while of looking, the boys decided on one with a rose, star, and raindrop, and paid for it together using their allowance. Ambrose asked for it to be gift wrapped, and they watched as the quill was put away in shiny paper, both high-fiving and preparing their final trick, both to one-up Vidor and to get Ambrose’s favourite part of Christmas sorted! Thanking the fairy godmother with a cheeky kiss on the cheek, Yen Sid laughed as Ambrose pulled him away, both of them heading toward the forest.

“Oooooh!! DAD HAD A CRUSH!!” Golden giggled, Percy gently bending down and giving her a playful knock on the head. “Now lumen, no teasing about love lives, okay?” he smirked, Golden folding her arms and looking at him cheekily. “Just cuz you’re single~” she replied, Percy raising an eyebrow. “I will lock you in a person-sized jar if I must!” he chuckled, both of them giggling. “Well then dad will make me sit in bed more and rest, so you won’t get to see me as often!” she retorted, Percy mockingly glaring. “Agh, I can never win!” he smirked, ruffling her hair and the two watching Yen Sid and Ambrose walking through the woods, following the same path as previously. Despite that, it was slowly getting colder, snow starting to fall and the sky pitch black, it was slowly getting later and later, and darker too, without the lights of the town. The two pulled their cloaks around them a little tighter, shivering as the snow became heavier. “Come on, j-just one more thing! We’ll be home in no time, and beat Vidor!” Yen Sid encouraged, Ambrose nodding and burying himself a little further into his cloaks, which blew in the wind- nearly blowing their hats off too! They headed further and found themselves closer to home, before Ambrose spotted something and pointed. “There!” he grinned, both boys gazing in wonder at the gorgeous pine tree in front of them. They smiled and pulled out their trainee wands, both saying an incantation they had, funnily enough, learned last Christmas, and levitated the tree. It almost reminded Golden of when Scout had done that with the broomies, and she watched in admiration of both her father and uncle as the tree became smaller and smaller, until it was small enough to fit into the pocket of Ambrose’s cloak, who gave a gentle smile. “Don’t worry little tree, you’ll be big soon enough.” he whispered, before delicately placing it into his pocket, trying to make sure it was as comfy as could be in there. The two were almost out of the forest, though, when a ghostly whistle echoed through the night air, both boys turning in fear as a pair of yellow eyes appeared in the darkness. “Ahh, what’s that sound?” Golden asked, huddling closer to Percy- she was particularly jumpy thanks to the events of yesterday, Percy gently stroking her hair. “I hope it’s just the wind, and not some bandits, oh if it’s anyone like Andrew I swear-” he cut himself off when he realised what he was saying, but instead ran his hand through Golden’s hair. “Don’t worry, papa’s safe with us, and Ambrose is okay, this is the past, remember? We needn’t fear what’s behind us.” he coaxed, Golden nodding but still hiding behind him slightly.

Both boys huddled close as they noticed a fallen twig nearby, and paw prints in the snow, fresh. The sight made them quiver, and the frightening eyes seemed to be getting closer, Ambrose hiding behind Yen Sid slightly, who put a hand in front of him protectively. “Who’s there?!” he demanded, but got no answer…except a low, threatening growl. “Wolves!! Dad, run!” Golden cried, the younger Yen Sid immediately turning to look at Ambrose as the grey creatures emerged, practically surrounding them. “Run, now!” he cried, blasting a spell at them and momentarily blinding them. The boys ran toward the path, the snow being slightly thinner and less difficult for them to run through, but they had to bolt up a steep bank, Ambrose managing it and reaching for Yen Sid, both apprentices clinging to each other. A wolf came up behind Yen Sid as he tried to balance, though, and clamped its jaws over his cloak, causing the boy to slip down the bank. Thinking fast, Ambrose used the stunning spell, but the wolf merely called its other members of the pack, Yen Sid trying to pull himself up the bank but to no avail, and Ambrose couldn’t manage it either, he was too far down. “Dad!!” Golden yelled, Percy peering down at the younger apprentice, who slipped once more and lost his wand amid the snow. “Yen Sid!! Quick!” Ambrose cried, reaching down as far as he could, but Yen Sid was very still, and very frightened, the wolves now all closing in on him, they looked HUNGRY. Percy was adjusting his glasses nervously at the scene, and Golden was a trembling ball of trembles, she wasn’t sure she wanted to look, but not looking might be worse than looking! Ambrose was desperately reaching down for Yen Sid, who shrank back into his cloak, Golden looking up at Percy with tears building up in her eyes. “Percy, we have to do something!” she insisted, Percy looking down at her in confusion. “This is a memory, what can we do?! It’s futile…I don’t think I want to see what happens!” he groaned, gently pulling his hat over his eyes slightly. Yen Sid’s hand suddenly brushed something- it was his wand, but the tip was bent!! Nevertheless, he tried a stunning spell, Ambrose managing to use his own to deter one or two of the wolves, but it was eight against two, and the odds weren’t looking good. Yen Sid shut his eyes in defeat, mind blank at what to do…

And then a blast of orange energy surrounded him and Ambrose, encasing them in shields and sending out waves of light, ones that deterred the wolves and caused them to scatter. And there, just behind Ambrose, was Master Grey. As the shields wore off, Yen Sid scampered up the bank, Master Grey pulling him up, before taking both of them by the arm, hard. “Master, we-” Yen Sid started, but one stern look from the master instantly silenced him. He looked at Ambrose apologetically, before they were led through the door, where Vidor stood in the doorway, along with some of the other apprentices. “Both of you in my office, now. And the rest of you, go to your rooms!” he demanded, the other apprentices scattering, though Ambrose swore he saw a glimmer of a smirk on Vidor’s face as he left. Into the office they went, both boys being seated, quite forcefully, and Master Grey standing before them, fuming. “You two…Vidor told me you snuck out.” he started, both boys staring in disbelief and Yen Sid folding his arms, earning a glare from Master Grey. “Unfold those arms, now.” he spoke, the boy reluctantly doing so, but Yen Sid continued to glare back, and even Ambrose was glowering. “You two KNOW you’re not allowed out without my permission. Whatever possessed you to think it was okay?!” he demanded, Ambrose sitting up slightly. “Well sir, we wanted to get you something for Christmas, but on top of that, the decorating of the workshop? That was Yen Sid, not Vidor, he lied!” he explained, Master Grey raising a curious eyebrow. “Why would Vidor lie about that?” he asked, Yen Sid pouting. “Probably because he’s a jealous attention-seeker with the attention span of a worm.” he pouted, Master Grey not appreciating that remark particularly. “Regardless, you two disobeyed one of my rules. And you know I don’t like that.” the master spoke, both boys cringing slightly and turning to glance at each other. “For now, go to your rooms. I don’t want you spoiling a Christmas with naughty behaviour, so both of you miss a story tonight as punishment.” He finished, both boys looking slightly shocked at this. Storytime was when Christmas STARTED for them!! They couldn’t miss it! “Please, sir-” Ambrose began, but Master Grey shook his head. “Actions have consequences. And I will talk to Vidor too. I believe all three of you have misbehaved tonight.” He finished, dismissing the boys, who traipsed to their rooms sadly, feeling pretty disgraced.

“Aw no, papa…” Golden whispered, Yen Sid slamming his door and feeling tears building up in his eyes. He felt pretty down now, as if he’d ruined Christmas, but heard the creak of his door opening. He turned over, if it was Vidor coming to gloat he could get lost, but there was nobody there…or so it would seem. A small Christmas Angel hopped through, and clambered up onto his bed. “Mon ami?” Angelique whispered, Yen Sid sniffling and wiping his eyes slightly, not wanting to cry in front of her, though his lips were trembling. She reached up to stroke his locks and soothe him, gently leaning her head on his shoulder as he held her like a plush doll. “I’m sorry mon cheri…I should’ve spoken up for you earlier. But…I was afraid.” she admitted, Yen Sid giving a tiny smile and shrugging. “Well…no storytime for me.” he groaned, flopping down onto his bed and thinking back. Even as a little boy he’d adored Master Grey’s tales, he’d read all sorts of books or tell them fantastical adventures from his travels around the world, and Christmas always had a wonderful story. But if he couldn’t hear it…well Christmas just wouldn’t feel complete. Nevertheless, he pulled the wrapped package out of his pocket, and looked as if he was lost, Angelique leaning on him again. “Did I fail…?” he asked, Golden looking at Percy in slight confusion, though she was upset seeing her dad like this. “Am I a mess of an apprentice?” he wept, Angelique moving back slightly as he reached his hands up to his face, crying into them. “Ah, no. It was a wonderful idea, right from the start. It’s…just unfortunate that it didn’t work out.” she admitted, Yen Sid nodding but now crying softly into his hands. Gently, Angelique smiled, though, and began to sing him a lullaby. “As long as there’s Christmas…I truly believe…” she smiled, before motioning to the gift he held, the one intended for Master Grey, and moving it aside, as if it was unimportant, “That hope is the greatest of the gifts we’ll receive.” she coaxed, Yen Sid looking at her slightly and wiping his eyes, Angelique offering a little smile. “As long as our guiding star shines above…” she smiled, flying over to the window and opening the curtains, Yen Sid getting out of bed and looking up at the starry skies, a small smile forming on his face. “There’ll always be Christmas” she smiled, Yen Sid sniffling slightly and nodding. Christmas was a time of togetherness, really. At the heart of it all, it didn’t matter what they did, as long as he was there with his family, the one he treasured even despite his rivalries and stubborn father figure. Yen Sid couldn’t help but smile as he thought of them all, and opened his window, the winter wind gently seeping in, though it wasn’t too cold. “So there always will be a time…when the world is filled with peace,” he sang, gently lifting Angelique into a hug, “and love.”

Ambrose was also in his room, though he was pretty irritated. He didn’t like that Vidor had been so mean to them, and thought he ought to get the boy back. So…he came up with a little plan of his own. He took out his wand and stared down at the little tree in his hand, before quietly going out into the hallway. He whispered an incantation and quickly threw it into Vidor’s room, who was reading and hadn’t noticed the door ajar- until there was a giant pine tree squishing him. “That’s revenge!” Ambrose called, Vidor feeling pretty stuck underneath and trying to get out, but the tree was HEAVY, and eventually he was forced to call for Master Grey. Despite the old sorcerer’s rage, he had to admit that this was quite humorous, and a fair punishment if Vidor had been taking credit for work that wasn’t his, a practice strictly disallowed in sorcery. He shrunk the tree, though, and tried not to smile as Vidor spat out a wad of pine needles, some now stuck to his hat and robes alike. Master Grey shook his head. “That’s your idea of decorating? Not quite as nice as the other room.” he chuckled, Vidor folding his arms, before his master became serious. “Vidor. Tell me the truth. You weren’t the one that set up all those decorations, were you?” he demanded, Vidor rolling his eyes slightly. “No…” he finally groaned, Master Grey nodding. “Why did you lie?” he asked, Vidor just pouting and looking away- that is until Master Grey poked his nose with a pine needle. “I just…I felt left out, okay? They were having fun and doing all sorts of cool stuff…I felt second best.” he pouted, Master Grey raising an eyebrow. “Your brothers would have let you in on it, had you asked them. Don’t be like that, not on Christmas Eve.” he coaxed, Vidor just looking down. He was an insecure child, he clearly just wanted attention, but Master Grey pulled him onto his lap nonetheless, and fiddled with his black locks. “Ohhh Vidor, your temper is going to get you in big trouble one day.” he shrugged, the young sorcerer looking up at him. “Oh, you haven’t even SEEN my temper!” he retorted, Master Grey chuckling slightly. “Well I will rue the day I do, then.” he giggled, poking Vidor’s belly and making him giggle. He was feeling a lot less angry now, clearly the boys had been getting a tree of some sort, and it was a gesture of goodness, albeit misguided. He knocked on Ambrose’s door, who was anticipating being told off for his prank, but he shakily opened it nonetheless. “Did someone lose a tree?” Master Grey winked, before shushing both the boys and taking them downstairs, along with the other four apprentices.

Some time later, Master Grey knocked on Yen Sid’s door, who promptly hid Angelique and the gift in his wardrobe, sitting on his bed as a draught blew his curtains about. “Yen Sid?” the old sorcerer asked, his familiar stern tone appearing and the young boy folding his arms, looking up with a bit of a glare. “Yeah, yeah, no need to tell me off. I know I’m undeserving of a great Christmas ‘n all.” he hissed, Master Grey raising an eyebrow. “Oh? You seem to think I’m a predictable man.” he smirked, Yen Sid just pouting up at him and rolling his eyes, continuing to sit, albeit tensely, on the edge of his bed. Master Grey joined him, and put an arm around his youngest. “I was too harsh earlier. You needn’t be afraid of me nor my temper, ever, and I don’t want to be a Scrooge either.” he admitted, Yen Sid stiffening up in surprise. He was slightly afraid Master Grey would punish them harshly, perhaps even hit them for breaking his rules, but though he was strict, he was never cruel. The boy relaxed slightly as Master Grey gently rubbed his arm, and eventually leaned his head on his master’s shoulder. “I’m sorry…we just wanted to give you the best Christmas ever. And…get Vidor back for being mean.” he replied, Master Grey nodding. “I spoke to Vidor. He’s sorry too, he…he’s in a bit of a rough spot at the moment, I believe. We need to be there for your brother.” he gently spoke, Yen Sid nodding. “Even though we’re silly rivals, I love him more than anything!” Yen Sid grinned, Master Grey giving a slight smile at that. “And I love all of you too. Though don’t tell the others, they’ll call me soft.” he pretended to growl, making Yen Sid laugh a little. “Well, come downstairs, boy. I have several chores for you to do.” Master Grey shrugged, Yen Sid scowling. So he was here for punishment after all. 

He followed his master much like a duckling, and they ended up at the doors to the workshop, Master Grey turning to him. “Your first chore…is to come sit with us as I read to you.” he smiled, before moving Yen Sid’s hat off his head and giving him a little kiss on the forehead. “Merry Christmas, son.” he beamed, opening the doors with magic and revealing he’d enchanted it himself, beautifully decorated and decked out in finery and ornaments. “Now, has that eased your complaints?” he smirked, Yen Sid immediately running down into the group, who all waved, Angelique now atop the tree and giving him a wink. That night went like a dream, Master Grey telling them a wild story of an adventurer who journeyed all over the world on a quest, and then it came time for presents- he had one for each of them. Ambrose was given a new book all about botany, Vidor got a copy of his favourite story, and Yen Sid was given a photo album, one he filled up over the years with hundreds of pictures. Percy turned to Golden, who was smiling at the scene, the boys had all fallen asleep together by the fire, Master Grey gently tucking a blanket around them, and heading to his office. Yen Sid, though, opened his eyes, and quietly dashed up to his room. He reached into the wardrobe, pulling out the wrapped quill, and borrowed Ambrose’s wand to fix his own, writing a little note. He quietly awoke Ambrose, who wrote his own message, and then both of them paused for a moment, before nodding and waking Vidor, who signed it. They used magic together to levitate it, gently wafting it over to the office and leaving it on the desk, falling back asleep. The old sorcerer had been looking out his window for a moment, but turned to find the present and gave a slight soft smile. “Do you think he likes it?” Percy asked, Golden nodding as he unwrapped the gift and read the note, tracing his finger over the engraving. Those three boys were precious to him, perhaps the most precious sons he’d had in all his time teaching, and he tested the quill on some spare parchment, drawing curls and swirls, eventually finding himself sketching the trio. He worked by candlelight on the drawing, and put it in a small frame, surprisingly proud of it. And when he turned back to the window, he spotted a familiar sleigh streaking across the sky, and gave a gentle wave. “Goodnight, old friend.”

The memory ended with everyone learning the bat and butterfly spell the next morning, though it was a simple enough exercise it was a good spell for Christmas Day, and then the apprentices headed out together to the town, Master Grey watching them leave from afar, and raising an eyebrow slightly, now holding his new quill, which seemed to shimmer slightly- a magical master needs an equally as magical pen. The scene went dark, and Golden’s room was back to normal, the photo fluttering back down onto the page. “Ahh, I’m happy for dad!” she grinned, Percy smiling and nodding. “Me too, and they always celebrated the same way- Yen Sid became the decorator alongside Angelique, and Ambrose was in charge of the tree!” he explained, Golden smiling back. “What about when they got older?” she asked, Percy thinking back. “Hmm, when I was a boy he’d throw a party for us in the workshop…oh Astra looked dashing in those cracker hats! And we’d make cookies, decorate, and usually open presents from Santa! And sometimes he’d take us to see a pantomime or parade, and one time he took us to the ballet…” the light man continued to ramble, Golden smiling as she thought of Christmas. Togetherness was her favourite feeling, and it always made her happy to be with those she loved, whether it was a festive or regular season, as long as they were together, that’s all that mattered.