I'll Be Your Wings

The Journey

When Maleficent asked me what was wrong, what had gotten into me, I was too furious to reply. I stormed off the ship to find a tree to perch in for the night. When I found a tall oak that looked sufficient, I nestled in between two large limbs. How could she look at him like that? I've been here all along. I've spent eighteen years loving her and she forgets me in the presence of a man she's known for eighteen seconds.

"Diaval!", cried Maleficent. "Diaval, where have you gone?"

"Diaval!" I mocked her under my breath. "Diaval, I didn't mean to let Eric completely humiliate you. Diaval, come back."

I leaned back into the trunk as she drew nearer, and I was spotted.

"Diaval, I-"

"You what? You're sorry? Well, it wasn't your fault. Maybe I should just stay back and let you two go on your little love boat to the Southern Isles, eh? Sound good? Not like you'll need me anyway." I couldn't meet her eyes for a moment. When I looked up, her eyes held a deep, deep sadness and a pity for her bird friend. She turned to go, but hesitated for a moment.

"Diaval, I don't know that you understand. There is no one I'd rather have spent all these years with. There is no one I'd rather take with me. You're special."

And then she was gone. I leaned back and closed my eyes. My jealously died just for a moment. I loved her so much, but she saw me only as her bird friend.

When the sun rose, I was already on the dock, ready for departure. Maleficent and I made our announcements this morning, and were ready to be off. I waited here as she spoke her final instructions to the ones we left in charge. She smiled timidly as she strode towards me, obviously excited. The sunlight shone on her braided hair, and her white dress was flowing in the wind. We walked towards the ship. As we neared the steps onto the deck, Eric appeared, hand outstretched. Not wanting another dose of humiliation this morning, I grabbed Maleficent's hand and hoisted her on deck. Apparently unfazed, Eric took her arm, led her across the deck and showed her to her quarters below. As he emerged from below, I passed him to go find Maleficent. He snatched my collar and shoved me against the wall. He was taller than me by a few inches, and much stronger.

"Who do you think you are, hmm? That woman, she's mine. She's obviously attracted to me, and you obviously don't like that. Don't think I'll back down from a dame like her." He squeezed my collar tighter as he spit the last words at me. "It's not like she will ever love someone like you."

•••

I knocked on Maleficent's door. He was insane if he thought I'd stop trying.

"Come in" she sang. When I entered, her hair fell over her shoulders in curls as she sat at her vanity.

Breathtaking.

She leaped up and took hold of my hands, spinning me in a circle. I hadn't seen her this happy since Aurora came to live with us. Her bright eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I can't wait to go, Diaval. Isn't this just wonderful?"

Sure it is, I thought. She danced around the room, ecstatic. Suddenly, the door exploded open with a deafening crack. In marched the burly crew and Eric.

"Well, well." He circled us like a shark inspecting it's prey. "The birdy and the witch. Didn't I tell you to stay away from her?" He snarled, glaring at me. He signaled the crew, and three huge men attacked. One held me by my shoulders while the other two tore at my shirt, pounding their fists into my ribs and slamming my skull with their elbows. Pain exploded in my chest: a broken rib, no doubt; and blood trickled down my forehead.

"Diaval!", screamed Maleficent. She cast out her hands towards Eric, to deter him with magic, but nothing happened. Eric exploded in laughter.

"You really thought I was that stupid? The vessel is cursed. Your magic does not work." He laughed again. "It was a plot, Maleficent. I'm quite disappointed." He clucked his tongue at her, as she stared back in horror.

"I disguised myself as a swordfish as soon as I heard you were leaving the Moors. It just so happened I was chosen to be your captain-" He slid his glare over to my limp body on the floor."- by your pet. I cursed the ship as soon as you left last evening. It was too easy, really." He smirked.

"I've beaten the great Maleficent, haven't I?", he taunted, as he strode closer to me. He chucked, and kicked my side, on my broken rib. I screamed in pain, still restrained by the howling crew. Maleficent threw herself forward to my aid, but was restrained by another crew member.

"What do you plan to gain from this, then?", she cried.

"Oh dear Maleficent." Said Eric softly. He leaned closer to her, his face inches from hers. "Revenge."