The Beast's Apprentice- An OUAT Fanfiction

1 - The Beginning

"Mother please," I begged, tears flowing from my face. I grasped my mother's hand tightly and knelt by her bedside. Weakly, she gave me a small smile. She looked so frail and tired...not at all like the woman I knew.

"Please," I cried, "You must hold on..." I kissed her hand, and it was ice cold.

"Ember..." She paused, taking a strained breath as she parted her lips to speak. When she continued, it came out as a raspy croak. "You must be strong. You know this poison...I've taught you well, and you know what is coming...I need you to be brave."

I shut my eyes, knowing her words were true. I'd recognized the poison as soon as I saw it. It was dreamshade, a rare but deadly poison. It's plant didn't even grow in our land, but the signs and effects were as clear as day, almost copied straight out of my mother's teachings.

I heard a clatter behind me, but didn't turn. I knew who it was and I didn't care. Not now. Not while my mother was like this.

"Freya," Sir Maurice said from behind me. My mother cast him a glance as he stood over my shoulder, giving him a faint smile.

"My love," she said, "My time has come." She coughed harshly and I fought another wave of tears.

"I don't understand," Maurice blubbered from behind me, "What's happened to you? Why aren't you healing? Your magic-"

"Her magic won't save her," I forced out, "The wound is too deep and the poison is strong...there's no cure in this land either..."

I felt my mother squeeze my hand. Even that was faint. "Hush, child. No more tears."

Her request was insane, I thought, but I obliged. I swallowed my gasps, looking at her. I gave a faint nod. For her, I would be strong. She smiled in response before pulling her hand from mine. I watched her as she reached to her neck, grasping the pendant that sat at her throat. It was a red gem that she always wore. I'd never seen her without it. Now, she removed it and gently placed it in my palm.

"Never take it off, Ember," she said, "Never."

I nodded my head and held the necklace tightly. She gave my hand another squeeze before turning to Sir Maurice.

"Watch over her," she said, "As you would your own. She and Belle need a strong father."

"Of course." He placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Mother..." I felt my voice tremble and I paused, forcing back more tears. I wanted to speak, but instead just shook my head. I wasn't ready for this. How would I ever have been ready for this.

She shushed me gently and pulled me closer. I felt her lips on my forehead as she kissed me. They were dry and cold. The rest of her was clammy, damp with sweat. As her lips left my skin, I felt a shudder go through me and I gasped. I knew what it was and I looked up, confused.

"You are gifted Ember," she whispered, "I've taught you all I could...never forget the power you have...the power we've had."

I nodded. I couldn't even make out the words to respond.

"Be strong," she said weakly, "Be brave." I nodded my head as I watched her close her eyes for the final time.

That was it. The dam broke and the tears wouldn't stop flowing. I rested my head on her breast and clutched onto her for dear life. The one person who loved me. Gone.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and it tugged me away gently. After a moment, I let it direct me away. I was pulled into a tight hug and I looked up to see the tear stained face of my sister Belle. I held on for dear life as she whispered comforting words. My mother's words echoed in my head.