The Switch

Prologue

Once upon a time, in a land where dragons and fairies soar the sky in an effortless manner, where magic allows users to hold an astonishing arsenal of power, of dominion, over mundane individuals,   where the angelic clashes with the malevolent, there existed a faerie. One with a questionably good heart, and with memories of a bygone past that held the secrets of her former baleful actions. This fay being, known to those she deigns to converse with as Maleficent, is well known for her  acclaimed role in the notorious saga of Maleficent and Sleeping Beauty. But this tale depicts a story that is universally unique, so unalike Maleficent's own tale. This tale tells of the faerie's actions on a tempestuous night that boasted a caliginous sky, deep inside her nemesis, the Evil Queen's castle. Within this palace's largest chamber, where the majestic, dark structure holds many arcane secrets, is where this tale begins. "Hello dear child." Maleficent spoke not unkindly to the minuscule baby she approached that was asleep in its crib. With a touch akin to a motherly gentleness, she brushed back the girl's touch of golden hair, (which was just beginning to fully grow in,) that framed her sharp, beautiful cheekbones, and her deep azure colored eyes. Maleficent continued to show no hesitancy, for she believed her morals manifested in her current actions, driving her to right the wrongs that she was sure were to come, making no attempt to garner any personal gain. In fact, the faerie thought that her actions could almost be proven to be gallant. Then, without wasting another precious moment, she began to cast her spell, raising her dragon headed ebony staff as she chanted.

"From dark to pure,

A journey through.

To fit in would be prudent.

Change what it is that destiny has declared.

To make their two worlds coherent!"

Dark green smoke engulfed the crib and the girl within it, bringing with it an enigmatic aura. Lightning then struck, just as soon as the spell went into full effect. Almost simultaneously, the child vanished, and in her place, lay another. This one's cheekbones were nowhere near as sharp as the other's. This, however, was only one of many physical differences between the two. This baby had light blue eyes that complemented her fair complexion and her light ebony hair. In fact, she seemed the complete opposite of the one she had been switched with. Maleficent was not yet done, however. "Show me Snow White." She ordered her staff, which obliged. Inside the crystal ball, Maleficent saw the child who had been here just moments before, now being cradled in the arms of the Fairest One of All. Hearing footsteps beyond the door, Maleficent made her departure. Once outside, she smiled to indicate her mirth and satisfaction with her own work. Then, she returned to her own castle, which was high above emerald-blue waters, aware of the monumental price there would be for the action she just had committed. A price that not only she would pay. For now, Maleficent was well aware that she must abide by her actions, lest she succumb to the consequences. How, one may inquire, did not a single individual notice the switch? Well, the answer to that question lies within the inexplicable powerof magic.