Morgan

The onslaught of spells was a sign of weakness, at least to Ursula. Meant that the young witch lacked tac and had to throw everything she had to even have the smallest of chances of winning. That made Urusla laugh out loud. The little spell blocking her storm was irritating, but the wind just blew harder, picking up the fire that was still around them and fanning it to grow larger. It destroyed all the greenery around them as it became larger. 

“Oh, have I?” The smoke alone was thick enough to make someone cough and gasp for air. “We’ll just have to wait and see.” Tentacles appeared from beneath her and came out swinging, one knocking back the younger witch away from the blonde. No one was going to help out the other. Both would die tonight. 

The smoke was getting heavy, making it harder for anyone to be able to breathe clearly Mim included. She needed to even the playing field a bit but she wasn’t sure turning into a fire elemental or a phoenix would be a good idea given they were in a forest. Her thoughts had distracted her and with a curse she flew back away from Rapunzel. 

The smugness didn’t leave Ursula’s expression as she continued to stroll out into view. Damage done to the world by her, what about the damage that had been done to her? The sea witch only let out a small snort as the younger witch threatened her. The two weren’t an even match, not even close. The was a small snort as she could already tell his presence was here, though he had not appeared out int he open quite yet. 

“Is that soo?” A low rumble erupted from the sky as it opened up and rain began to slowly start coming down from the sky. Another lightning bolt struck the ground near Cruella and Rapunzel, but her gaze never left the little witch that once been their ally.  “Brave little witch, trying to sound all big and scary. I’m not your mentor, I’m not stupid like her. I know there is no talent there and you’ll amount to nothing.”

”For someone that’s amounting to nothing, you sure are having a difficult time killing me.” Morgan pointed out in a cheeky manner as her hands flew up into the air. A thick, crystal clear purple barrier grew to surround the area above; it would protect her and Rapunzel from being struck by lightning and the only way to get rid of it was Mim’s incantation or her death. It was one less thing she had to worry about at the very least.  

Ursula could hear it all. The loud roar of her companion was her cue. Shortly after the roar, there was a crack of thunder. Lightning struck down by the girls and started a couple of trees on fire. The sky continued to grow darker and darker. Ursula wasn’t playing around this time, and they were instructed to kill their enemies. Another bolt hit the ground and the fire continued to grow as she emerged from her hiding location. 

“Now, now little witch. Don’t be getting in the way.” Ursula strutted towards the two, unbothered by it all. “She needs to pay for what happened to Wendy.” Cruella needed that closure, and the two had somehow became close. Ursula wanted this for her friend. “Not unless you want me to barbeque your little boyfriend. Y’know, my reputation would only benefit from killing the world known famous witch hunter.”

It had been a reflex, what she’d done to the young girl, snapping her neck like that. It was self-defense, at least that is what she kept telling herself to help with the guilt. It was a burden she’d kept to herself and from the group. Rapunzel looked up at the brunette, her having her powers back not having the soothing effect Mim wanted. The blonde sighed to herself at the mention of them coming after her particularly. 

“I know.” The group functioning as a whole never felt right. Rapunzel was used to being on her own, though she appreciated the back up, it was far simpler to be alone. “I know Cruella will come after me.” Rapunzel was cool and collected, well aware how she’d upset their foe. The woman had been fond of the girl, that was clear. 

“Believe it or not, I can hold my own.” Rapunzel didn’t have powers, but she wasn’t to be underestimated. “Did it for years.”

“Believe it or not, you don’t have to hold your own alone anymore.” Morgan said slowly as she paused in her step to look at the blonde more seriously. “I get you have no reason to trust me but I don’t want anything to happen to you, Rapunzel. I’d fight with you...if you’d let me.” It was difficult for Morgan to open up, as Hansel knew, but at this point she felt she needed to say it. She didn’t want things to end poorly between her and Rapunzel due to the beginning of their interactions so long ago. She actually wanted to be the blonde’s friend. 

It would be their final night together as whole before the war. Rapunzel was nervous, but never really showed her true feelings on the matter. The blonde purposefully wanted to avoid building relationships, but that just didn’t happen time around. Normally, a job was a job, and she’d keep her distance and then move on to the next, but somehow everyone had wormed their way into her heart, even Mim, though she’d never admit that to herself or anyone.

“Oh, yeah?” The long hair blonde replied, glancing around for any evidence that is really in fact what she had done, not that she really expected herself to find one. “That should be helpful.” Rapunzel wasn’t necessarily being mean, but communicating with Mim was difficult and she wonder why the two had been paired together after all the history they had. 

“Hopefully. We don’t need it and it remains a quiet night.” The chances of that to happen were slim to none, but she was content with being an optimistic for the moment. Why one of the other’s couldn’t step up and take one of their places was a mystery. “We haven’t seen our two friends for some time though…” Rapunzel remembered how angry the two were when she had killed Wendy. The fact that she murdered a little girl  

Rapunzel was right; they hadn’t heard a peep from Cruella or Ursula ever since Wendy was killed. There was no way the two of them would have given up so easily. “If they decide to try anything tonight, we’ll know.” She sounded more confident than she actually felt. The two of them were crafty; what if they found some of the traps? What if they managed to get through? Morgan bit her lower lip as she started to grow a little nervous, not really liking the whole not knowing aspect of this. 

“Things seem quiet tonight.” Morgan kept her voice low but low enough for Rapunzel to hear; why the other was the one to come with her out of everyone, she wasn’t entirely sure. Or better yet, why was Morgan accompanying Rapunzel? Both were good at what they did but they hadn’t exactly gotten on friend terms even after all their time together. 

“I’ve made sure to put some magical traps around the camp to ensure no one can cross without all of us knowing.” Morgan spared a glance towards Rapunzel, a part of her hoping that the two of them could get past Morgan’s past and work together as well as they worked with everyone else. It was the last night she’d be able to try to befriend Rapunzel and even though she was probably just pushing buttons, she still wanted to try extending an olive branch so to speak. 

Rin did not understand, nor was she willing to try in this moment. Mim claimed she hadn’t changed and was willing to protect her sisters, but she was protecting one of the biggest threats to her kind. Lightly, she shook her head in disappointment. The older woman looked sadly at the ground, dreading this goodbye, because they’d most be going their separate ways after all of this. Frost covered the ground around her feet as she finally looked back up at Morgan.

“Well, I hope for your sake, you’re right.” The frost traveled up her clothes and skin for a brief second she sparkled like fresh snow in the sun light before disappearing sight. Fia and Aine would need her and that is where she belonged. 

Everyone was coming together, so Morgan stepped closer to Cheshire since he’d be taking them back. She was quiet, almost lost in her thoughts, until she heard Liam talking to her. “Me? Yeah, I’m as fine as I can be don’t worry. Let’s just get back so we can put the final touches on our plan.” Her head shook and she moved some hair behind her ear as she spoke, both clear signs she was more nervous about something. 

“My duty is to protect our fellow sisters. You’re little group is on its own.” The plan should have been better, Rin would admit to that, but protecting others wasn’t her responsibility. The witch community had no one else looking out for them, except her. “I’ll work with Fia and Aine on binding the demon once he is weakened.” Rin announced, figuring that would be a better place for her. The White Queen was mentioned and she lifted her gaze from the ground finally to look over at Mim. They seemed like strangers now. 

“I’m sure the battle front will be even enough now, if not, it will be in our favor. Hades and Maleficent have their own forces. As you mentioned, the White Queen will have her army. I’ll have some of our sisters there too.” Rin looked over her apprentice one last time and sighed disappointedly. “You’ve changed, I don’t know if it is for the better.” Her lips pursed together as she looked over her mentee. “I’m not sure what transpired between you and a witch hunter, but I liked you better before you met him.” If she was lucky, Hansel would fall in battle and just be a bad memory. 

Morgan kept her thoughts to herself when she heard Rin’s opinion; no matter what, it seemed like the ice witch wouldn’t change her mind about the world so easily. So be it. If she wanted to keep things as they were then she was more than welcome to but Morgan wouldn’t have any part of it. No matter what happened during their final battle, they’d have to be victorious. 

“You only liked me back then because I obeyed your every command and did everything to protect our sisters. That part of me hasn’t changed but...there’s more that I want to protect now.” Rin wouldn’t understand though. To the older witch, Hansel was nothing more than a witch hunter. “He saved me, Rin. He protected me when he didn’t have to even after I caused such a fuss for the group in the beginning. I’m sorry you can’t understand how much I care for him.”

It had been a bumpy ride, but they were getting the help they needed. Rin knew if it weren’t for the blonde going rouge, this could had ended differently. Hades was not about to budge and he held his ground far more than she thought he would have. It took a lot out of Rin, but she could admit when she was wrong. 

“You’re right. The plan could have been better and we could have had a plan B.” Rin said softly, but she was happy to see Mim’s powers were returned. There felt a bit of bitterness to it though as she knew their paths would go separate ways after all of this. “I’m sorry. I’m just so use to it being protect the witches. I was short sighted.” Rin’s gaze wouldn’t lift from the ground as she was embarrassed now. This was a colossal fuck up and she was one that hated imperfection. 

Morgan couldn’t hide the smile when Rin said she was right; the older witch wasn’t as cold as she made herself seem to be. Without thinking too much, Morgan walked over to her and gave her a fast but warm hug. “You’re doing what you think is best for all of us, I get it. But there are others that aren’t witches that could use your protection too.”

Rin was taken back. The plan going side ways was not her fault. The long hair blonde had been given specific instructions that clearly she had decided not to follow. How was she to blame for this? This love for others, ones that hunted their kind was complex and driving a wedge between the two of them. 

“All would have gone to plan, if we stuck to the plan.” Rin insisted. Still she took a step back as she felt the group turning on her. The wonderlanders would be the ones to watch out for, but Hades finally caved. The blonde was back alive and all was well, she hoped. Hansel was still a mystery, but perhaps Hades hadn’t done anything to him and this would just be a horrible blip they could move past.  

“We should have had a plan B.” Morgan mumbled softly, knowing that it wasn’t entirely Rin’s fault even if the older witch seemed so heartless. The fact was that Rapunzel was back and Hades actually agreed to helping them. Even if things had turned into a shit storm in the end. When Hades mentioned powers, she was about to say it was fine when she noticed Persephone’s look. Before she could even question anything, she felt a warmth surround her and noticed the purple mist. 

“This is why we don’t deviate from the plan!” Rin announced angrily. Hades was going to be difficult to convince they all knew that, which was why it was important to hold their ground together, which Rapunzel didn’t do. It was sad what happened, but the girl had brought it upon herself. Rin wasn’t about to take the blame. Angrily, she glowered at the god, but it was the small girl that spoke up. 

Stunned, Rin took a step back. She was losing the groups confidence and though the goddess was trying to talk some sense into Hades, she had little faith Persephone would succeed with the matter. The floor kept growing colder and the frost traveled up to the vines, though she waited. The group turning on her and fighting Hades would not bode well for her and she would have to play her hand just perfect to come out of this fight. 

Morgan held her hands together and pressed them against her mouth as she started to pace slightly. Her mind was beginning to swarm with different thoughts and worries; most of them were involving Hansel but the fact that Rin was so cold hearted towards Rapunzel didn’t sit well with her. 

Rin’s stomach sank. This wasn’t good for them. There leverage was gone and she cursed underneath her breath. Didn’t matter how sweet Persephone seemed, this wasn’t going to end well for them. Shifting side to side, she waited for it. Cheshire was far too cocky for his own good and he was going to pay for it. The snap made her sigh as this was about to get ugly, though it was the cursed girls fault for deviating from the plan. 

“Hades.” The forest floor started to turn to ice around as she was growing angry. Whether it was just Rapunzel, or Hansel too, she didn’t know. She wasn’t about to let it slide. “Undo it now.” 

Shock overwhelmed the group when Rapunzel suddenly dropped to the ground, dead. Morgan stared at the blonde’s lifeless body for several seconds, mouth open in surprise. Was Hansel gone again too? Instantly she turned to look at Rin since this had been her idea. Morgan would have been fine being human; it was troublesome sure but she would have accepted it for Hansel’s sake. 

This standoff wasn’t ending anytime soon. Rin was starting to second guess her own choices as the god refused again. Morgan would never forgive her if that putsy witch hunter died. Glaring at the god, she sighed heavily. 

“Promise to help and return Mim’s powers and she’ll be returned. That easy, Hades.” Rin watched as he grew angry again. How someone so powerful could be so childish, she didn’t understand.  “The girl brings up a fair point?” Rin through her hands up in the air, hoping that he would consider this now. The little blonde proved to be more useful than she expected. 

Morgan felt herself flinch when her powers were mentioned but she stood tall and quiet. At this point it was just like watching deer in headlights; the poor creatures didn’t always know what to do and same was for this situation. What she hadn’t expected was for Persephone herself to come skipping over to Hades with Rapunzel trailing behind her. 

Hades always had to make things complicated. Most gods you could plea with in some manner, but not this one. Rin wasn’t a patient person either. The more this carried on, the more that she wanted to threaten him right back. The work load was smart, but quickly turned away as well. What came next got under his skin, she could see it in the way his blue eyes light up every so slightly. The child was smart. 

“Put your hand down.” She demanded, in a softer tone. “You do anything and your sweetie is going to die in a winter storm.” Rin wasn’t saying this maliciously anymore, just simply reminding him the playing field was even. “Why can’t you just listen to reason? You made this hard for being so damn stubborn.”

A surprised expression grew on Morgan’s face when Alice spoke up. The blonde was bold, that much was for sure but she was making it seem like Hades was too weak for the task. It worked though, even if it Hades was trying to play it off like it didn’t. “Alice is right, this is pointless.” She sighed softly as she turned from Hades so she could head over to the girl. 

Hades was more difficult than she had remembered him, but she knew he’d be irate in the beginning. Trick was calming him down. Rin watched as he dragged out the young girl and for a moment she grew angry for Alice and Liam ruining the plan, but the cat rescued her quickly. A sigh of relief escaped as they could continue with the plan, if only Hades would cooperate. 

“Enough!” Rin spat, giving the boy a glare so he’d shut up. Hades and her never had gotten along, but they’d learned to respect one another. “Hades, we’re just trying to talk to you. If we hadn’t taken drastic measures, you’d ignored us.” That was the truth and they both knew it. Even now, he was stooping low and making fun of Cheshire. Raising her hand quickly in the air, ice came flying out and nearly hit the god in the head. 

“I’m not a fool Hades. You’re not to know her location.” There was boredom in her tone. “You’d simply just go rescue her. Calm down and hear us out. When we come to an agreement, and only then, you can see her again.”

The back and forth was getting to be a bit much now. This was a bad idea and if they weren’t careful, not only would Rapunzel and Hansel die again but so would the rest of them. Then the world would be doomed more than it already was. At least with them alive, there was a fighting chance. 

“Rin, maybe that would be the best option.” Morgan said quietly after shaking her head, knowing that they really wouldn’t get anywhere by just making demands here and there. “If he sees that she’s all right, maybe he’ll be more likely to listen to us.” Hearing Liam’s added words made her tilt her head a little in confusion before it clicked: more work for Hades meant less time for him to spend with his wife. 

A deep sigh escaped. Cheshire should have kept his mouth shut. Calming Hades down enough to listen was going to prove to be more difficult than she anticipated, especially after the threat. How someone as powerful as him could be so childish when it came to great important matters was beyond her understanding. 

“Hades.” Rin repeated his name, trying to make him listen, but the rant continued on. “Hades!” Now her voice was starting to be raised and clearly, she was growing angry and losing her temper on the matter. “You will not harm anyone, you giant child!” Rin spat, point her finger at him. “You did no one favors, you struck a deal.” She tried to point out as she held her ground. “If you want Persephone back, you’re going to make another one.”

Things were getting out of hand; Hades was furious but so was Rin and Morgan had a hard time figuring out which one of them was worse. She fidgeted from one foot to the other but panic began to grow when Alice of all people was taken from the bushes. Even Liam had followed them and as much as they deserved a lecture, maybe this was what they needed to get Cheshire to keep his mouth shut. As quickly as it had happened, the feline had rescued Alice from Hades’ grasp but there was something off about him now.