Echoes of Wonderland

Sign of the Times

Red's POV

Chloe and I crouch behind a clump of dense vines, our breaths shallow as we watch Uliana and Maleficent prepare their dark ritual. The Black Lagoon, shrouded in its eerie ambiance, serves as the stage for the impending confrontation. The air is thick with malevolent energy, a stark contrast to the serenity that once defined this place.

The rock in the center of the cavern bears the Pocket Watch and the Fairy Godmother's wand, the artifacts that are central to Uliana's plot. Maleficent's magic crackles in the air, casting an unsettling green glow over everything.

- It's time. - Maleficent intones, her voice a low, menacing rumble.

- You better get that spell right. - Uliana snaps, her impatience evident. - We need to go to the exact time I told you. Right when Auradon was united.

Maleficent's eyes flare with a bright green light, and the cavern is suffused with a palpable, crackling energy. The Pocket Watch and the wand begin to levitate, enveloped in a swirling vortex of green dust and steam. Maleficent murmurs an incantation, her voice rhythmic and powerful.

- It's done. - Maleficent announces calmly. - Both the Pocket Watch and the magic wand are at your mercy now. You only need to use them.

Uliana's face lights up with a wicked grin. She approaches the rock with a sense of triumph, reaching for the artifacts with greedy fingers. The Pocket Watch and the wand are now in her grasp, the former glowing ominously.

- I'm longing to take that throne. - Uliana says, sliding the Fairy Godmother's wand into her jacket. She holds up the Pocket Watch, her thumb hovering over the button. - Are you ready to rule, Maleficent?

- I've been waiting years for this. - Maleficent replies, a sinister smile stretching across her face as she clasps Uliana's hand.

Uliana's thumb inches closer to the button on the Pocket Watch. My heart pounds in my chest as I realize how close we are to disaster. I can't let this happen.

- Not so fast there, squid face. - I call out, stepping out from behind the cover with a flourish of my magic cards. - You really think we were going to let you take control?

Uliana's excitement turns to surprise as she sees us. Her face contorts with disbelief and anger.

- Well, well, well. - She says, releasing Maleficent's hand. - If it isn't Princess Red once again, trying to ruin my perfect revenge.

- Feeling a little déjà vu, Uliana? - Chloe chimes in, her sword gleaming dangerously in the dim light.

- I'm surprised! - Uliana retorts. - I didn't think you'd be dumb enough to try this again. Not after you almost lost your little Smurf because of my friend's magic.

Rage surges through me at the memory of what they did to Chloe. I won't let them get away with it.

- You won't get that chance. Not this time. - I say, my voice steady despite the adrenaline flooding my system.

Uliana's mocking chuckle echoes through the cavern. I don't waste any time. I shuffle my cards with practiced speed, drawing one that glows with intense energy. I hurl it at Uliana, the card transforming into a sharp, glowing sword mid-flight. She reacts swiftly, blowing on her shell necklace. It shimmers with a bright light, and a barrier of magic intercepts my card. The sword ricochets off the barrier and slams into the cave wall, sending sparks flying.

- Is that all you've got? - Uliana taunts, her voice dripping with derision.

Maleficent turns her attention to Chloe. Dark energy lashes out from her, but Chloe's sword is quick and precise. She parries the dark magic with skill, her blade glowing brightly as it absorbs and redirects Maleficent's attacks. The rebound magic causes Maleficent to stagger back, her dark spell dissipating into the cavern's air.