Chapter 1: On That Joyful Day

Heavy rain poured along the stone brickwork of the great bridge that led to the great castle atop the highest point of the Forbidden Mountain. The sky was already dark and foreboding without the black storm clouds; only flashes of lightning and a constant luminescent fog gave one a sense of direction. Thick, pointed boots clanked along the stones as a tall woman, draped in a black robe, paced across the bridge. She had a baby cradled in her arms, doing everything in her power to protect it from the torrential rain. "There, there, we'll be home soon," the woman cooed, pulling some cloth over the child's shivering face as she continued her stride. One of the guards to the castle spotted the woman and hurried over. "Mistress!" called the guard, a rather ugly, gremlin-like creature. "This is unexpected! Usually you teleport inside the castle. What are you doing outside in the rain?" "Nevermind me! Fetch some of the other goons to prepare some warm milk. And bring me some fresh cloth and towels. NOW!" The woman ordered, her voice booming even in the air. "Yes, Mistress! Right away!" And off the guard went, moving as fast as his little shoes could carry him. This woman was the dark fae Maleficent, self-proclaimed Mistress of All Evil. She was never one to suffer fools gladly and ruled with an iron fist. She was never disrespected, never disobeyed, and certainly never challenged. As far as Maleficent was concerned, the Forbidden Mountain was her entire world to do with however she pleased. And yet there was a deep humbling persona to this dark fairy. Maleficent only had so much magic power: for she could not stop nature's cycles nor fully control human affairs. While she was always able to move a pawn here and there, world history did not change for her. Whatever turmoils she bestowed on unsuspecting peoples, societies seemed to mostly work on their own terms. That's why she preferred to live in the Forbidden Mountain, where everything was hers to play with. Moving quickly past the spade-shaped gate and deep into her throne room, Maleficent watched as several goons rushed to her aid, one holding up a pail of warm milk, the other some dirty rags. "Excellent. Bring them here." Maleficent demanded, conjuring up a small stone table. The goons laid out the towels and watched as their leader gently rested an infant child upon the now-cushioned surface. Big, beady eyes all stared at the squirming child, which began to wail as Maleficent unwrapped its wet bundle. "Wow!" spoke one of the goons, a portly, pig-like beast. "That's uh… um… that's a baby." "Of course it's a baby you fools! The milk? Come on!" Maleficent, waggling a finger, called as the pail-holding goon set it down on the table. Pulling out a wooden spoon from thin air, she took a sample. Gently, she softly petted the child's head with her hand, attempting to sooth its cries. "There there… drink up, my dear. Cease this crying." Never had her goons ever heard Maleficent speak with such gentleness, not even to her pet raven, Diablo, who soon flew into the throne room and perched nearby. The lanky bird was just as surprised as the henchmen. In time, the baby stopped wailing and whined happily. It gladly took sips from the spoon, downing the warm drink with pleasure. "Mistress… why do you have a baby?" One of the goons asked innocently, a crocodile-like creature. Another, looking like a bat, hopped up and down, "are you gonna perform another transfiguration spell?! Huh? Are ya?" Maleficent scowled at the goons. "She's not a victim, are you mad?!" Remembering to keep the child calm, she settled down and took a deep sigh. "I found her. She was all alone along the coastline. She was just… left there in the sand. I found no sign of her parents or guardians." Looking down upon the child, Maleficent took in her features yet again. Copper-colored skin, black hair, teal-colored eyes. They had to be the friendliest eyes the dark fae had ever seen in so many years, so full of love. The infant looked upon Maleficent and smiled, raising its arms up as if wanting a hug. Tenderly, she looked back and caressed the baby's cheek. "Since there does not appear to be anyone claiming her… she will stay with us here, in the Forbidden Mountain," Maleficent decreed, "as my new daughter." All the goons murmured amongst themselves before turning up to look at their ruler. The pig-ish goon spoke first: "Of course, Mistress. We never raised a baby before but… we can learn." Another goon, a vulture-esque monster, shook his head and agreed, "yeah! We've never let you down before, right?" "A myriad of times, actually." Maleficent replied bluntly, "but yes… I am entrusting you to help me care for the child. Treat her like royalty. Give in to her demands. Protect her at all costs. Be a… friend, if need be. This is my biggest command yet, do you understand?" "Yes!" "Yes Mistress!" "Absolutely!" "Loud and clear!" And so on did the goons accept Maleficent's order. Things would definitely be much more interesting with a baby around. "Mistress," piped up one small goon with a trunk like an elephant, "what's the baby's name?" Maleficent pondered for a brief moment. She thought back, back to that rough shoreline after dusk had ended. There was a full moon out, almost illuminating the sand as the dark fairy trudged through debris from what looked like a ship. Large chunks of wood, piles of rope, metal tools, and other materials littered the area. Save for the sound of the pounding waves, a piercing cry was all Maleficent could hear. Her ears buzzing, she eventually located the source of the noise. Bending down to get a closer look, she came face-to-face with a pair of bright teal eyes, reflecting the image of the moon. All the fear in that child's face vanished quickly, replaced by curiosity and comfort. Everyone who saw Maleficent feared her just from her very presence, but not this lost child. That she remembered very vividly. "I have decided," Maleficent replied, slowly at first, "to call her… Diana." Diablo flew over to the stone table, craning his head to get a better look at the infant. Little Diana gave the raven all her attention, stretching out her hand, which he responded to by nuzzling with his beak. Tiny giggles emanated from the smiling child. "Mistress! I come with news!" Exclaimed a goon sporting goat horns, who rushed into the room gasping for breath. "Well? Out with it!" Maleficent called back, annoyed as losing the peace. "The Queen of Perrault has just given birth to their first child!" A wide-beamed smile spread across Maleficent's face. Delicately placing her hands together, she bowed her head and chuckled. "Excellent." Turning back, Maleficent changed Diana into a new bundle fashioned out of the requested cloth materials, all the while humming to a tune. Once finished, she lifted a now sleeping Diana and cradled her into her arms, and then turned to all of her goons. "That is all for now. Off with you!" Bowing their heads, all the goons scurried to their posts. The small, elephant-trunked goon peeked his head back into the throne room one last time: "congratulations on your new baby, Mistress." And away he went. "Hmm", Maleficent laughed quietly before turning to Diablo and offering her shoulder for him to perch on. "Yes. It appears I've saved two children tonight." She walked calmly towards her personal tower, ready for a good night's sleep. She looked out her window, just barely able to see the outskirts of the Perrault Kingdom. Maleficent's eyes pierced through the darkness as she protectively held Diana. "Let's just hope the Queen keeps her end of the bargain." Maleficent spoke to herself, "If she knows what's good for her and her people."