His Elven Crown (An Aladdin Retelling)

Part 6

Dian has been walking for hours, following the voice in his head, until he reached the top of the hill. He plopped down on the ground, leaning against a tree.

"How long do we have to go?" He whispered.

'Not much more.' Avak hissed in his ears.

"I need to get some sleep at least." He hasn't slept since he was travelling with Adeline. He couldn't go any longer.

The voice hissed inside his head, Dian took this as a sign of approval, and laid down on the ground.

He was slowly getting used to hearing that voice in his head. It wasn't that bad. He was learning to negotiate with it. Their intentions didn't always align, and they argued sometimes. His head ached from the memory of their last argument. It was a bit clouded, he couldn't remember exactly how it went. But that didn't matter. Point is, he doesn't have to listen to everything the voice said. They both needed each other. And they both had one common enemy; elves. Dian intended on visiting his father. He was a strong wizard now. He wondered if that would make him more useful to the clan in his father's eyes. Maybe he'll be ready to welcome him and his mother back home. However, if it didn't work, he'll let Avak have his revenge on them. They would deserve it, after all the pain they'd caused him and his mother.

His head hurt when he thought of his mother. He had to do, for her. He missed her, and would have done anything to go back home to her at this very moment.

'We've already talked about that..' Avak hissed.

"Yeah, I know.' Dian whispered back.

He couldn't bring himself to sleep, so he pushed himself into a sitting position, electrifying pain running through his hands and up his arms in process. Red scorch-like marks ran up his arms, they seemed to grow brighter and more painful every time he used magic.

Because he was using power too big for him. They'll go away when he gets used to it. Yes, Avak told him that before. His head started fogging again with headaches, as if it all came from that cursed diamond.

His eyes shot wide in realization. Headaches were how his every argument with Avak ended.

Pain attacked him again from inside his head, and his head was fogging again. He yelled as he reached to remove his diadem. If he had to take it off to get rid of the pain then so be it. But his fingers froze when he tried to take it off. Some power was holding him back. Pain seared through his arm. His chest tightened

"Get out of my head!" He screamed.

'You can't kick me out..'

Avak's voice filled his head. He wanted to scream, but no sound came out. His hand slumped down to the ground. He was losing control, again.

"Dian," he heard a faint whisper. He thought of his mom, calling his name, asking him to come back home. If only she saw him now. She wouldn't be so proud of the choices he made, or the ones he was going to make. She'd never wanted him to go back to his father. Tears streamed down his face as he thought of her. All along, he has tried to convince himself he was doing it all for her, but he was doing it for himself before anyone else. He's sought out his father's approval for so long now, and here's where it got him.

This was enough. He doesn't need this power. He'll throw the diamond away and return home.

"Dian," the same frantic voice called for him. His eyes shot open and he looked up. It was Janelle.

He felt Avak's fury bubbling up inside of him. His arms moved against his will, power surging through them. Dian suppressed it. He wasn't going to let Avak haul his magic at Janelle.

"Please, go away, he'll hurt you." He pleaded at Janelle, turning away from her. She grabbed his shoulder and reached for the diadem. Her lips moved but he couldn't make out what she said. Once again, his hand moved against his will, grasping at her wrist. He pulled his hand away with great effort. Defying Avak's magic made him even angrier.

'You're only making it harder for yourself. You know that I'll win, no matter what.'

Pain seared through his body. Dian couldn't move, but neither could Avak. If he gave up now, Avak will be in total control.

He felt Janelle's hand sliding through his hair, and it all stopped. He inhaled sharply, doubling up, but soon founds Janelle's arms around him, pulling him into tight hug. He slowly brought his hand to hers. They stayed like this for a long time, until his headaches went away, his breathing steadied. He pulled away from her and looked her in the eyes. Behind the obvious worry, he could see her disappointment.

"I'm truly sorry." His breath hitched and his voice wavered. "I don't know why I did any of this."

"It's not entirely your fault. The diamond was controlling you." She caressed his hand. "But you went looking for the diamond without me, and hid it long enough for it to corrupt your mind," she said sternly, placing a finger on his forehead.

"I had a taste of power, and couldn't think of anything else. I'm sorry, I.. I never meant to hurt you."

"I know." She looked into his eyes for some time. Upon findind what she wanted, she gave a smile. "I forgive you."

Relieved, he pulled her in for another hug.

"What are we going to do with.. this?" He said after they pulled apart, pointing at the diadem.

"I'm.. not entirely sure. I didn't get to plan that far."

"Can we take it back to the cave?" He asked.

Janelle shook her head, "I'm sure she'll find her way in at some point. I need to take advantage of the fact that she still thinks the diamond is still in there. Maybe.." She trailed off. "Maybe we could take it to the elves. She's always had a hard time simply entering their villages. They'll know how to handle this."

"I'm coming with you."

She smiled, "Alright, then let's hurry." She pushed herself up, taking his hand and hauling him up.

As he got up, he noticed the diadem moving slightly. He must've nudged it without feeling it. He moved to pick it up, and it slipped away from his fingers. It flew away from him. He followed with his eyes, only to realize that the diadem was heading towards a silhouette in the distance. They advanced to grab it impatiently, and their features became unmistakably clear.

Adeline came forward with a sneer, "Hey, Janie."