Leora was tired of waiting. In fact, she was tired of running, which she had been doing her entire life. Now, she would make up for all lost time.

Gripping her sword, she ran towards Radford in a rage. She brought the blade down on his head. He swiftly blocked it and defended himself, letting Leora feel confident for a few moments. Finally, he used his sword to push the girl back.

Off balance, Leora tried to focus again, using her wolf-like reflexes to block Radford and his exquisite blows.

Blood was everywhere. As darkness crept over the field, men and trolls were found fighting left and right. Tony backed up Wendell as they rode through the sea of men on horseback. Surprisingly, Tony kept up well.

He yelled over to Wendell, "This isn't so bad; I'm not dead yet!"

"You're doing fine old man!" Wendell laughed a little.

But then unexpectedly, someone sliced the bottom of Wendell's horse, causing him to fall. The horse dropped dead on top of the King, and he didn't have time to get it off before his three biggest enemies were facing him.

Blabberwort, Burly, and Bluebell grinned at their old foe they chased through the 4th Kingdom back in the very beginning.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" Wendell groaned as he struggled to get the horse off.

However, the trolls quickly put blades at his neck. Burly sneered at him, "Lookie look! It's ol' Wendell. Last time I saw you, you were lockin' me and my brothers up in Snow White's Prison all those years ago!"

"Well, if I locked you up, how'd you manage to escape this time?" the king asked, hiding his fear of death.

Blabberwort explained, "A few months ago, Radford let the whole lot of us out. Said if we served for him, we'd have our freedom. The only reason your guards didn't know we were gone was because Radford gave 'em all a forgetfulness spell! Ha, the powers of magic!"

"Unfortunately for you Wendy, no magic could save you now!" Bluebell added, rising his axe.

But before he could strike, Tony came out of no where, pushing the troll back. He quickly fought the other two off to give Wendell enough time to get free and help him fight the stupid trolls.

Leora fell down the ground, "Cripes!"

She panted a little, tired from their fight already. But, she couldn't give up, not yet. She forced herself up, staring into the wizard's cold eyes. Then, she growled, striking him with the blade.

Damien used all of his strength as he fought goblins and trolls that approached him. So far, he had been successful, only because he had his trusty sword that he used to kill the Ice Queen back in his first adventure. Looking around, Damien held his sword and trusty shield, with only victory on his mind. Already his men were gaining the field.

Suddenly, an abnormally large troll came to him, growling with thirst for blood. The troll charged and Damien fought the beast forcefully. But the troll was too strong, and struck the king down with great force.

"NO!" Aden looked over just in time to see this, and remembered his premonition. He knew that when he had those dreams, they always came true; but Aden had to try to stop this. He didn't want to lose his best friend.

Damien lay on the ground, lost of his shield and sword. The troll growled as he gained on the defenseless man, ready to kill.

So, leaving doubt and fear behind, he picked up the mighty sword and hit the troll in its side. The monster growled in pain, and then drew the sword from his flesh as though it were merely a pin prick.

Tossing it aside, it looked at Aden, who had taken Damien's sword. Furious, the troll took its mighty club and struck the fair king down.

"Aden!" Damien ran over to the fallen wizard. But it was too late. Trying to fight panic, he picked up his own sword.

Angrier than he had ever been in his entire life, Damien turned on the troll. And then, with great force, he darted towards the beast and stuck the sword straight through its chest. Finally, the monster fell, never to get up.

Damien ran back over to Aden, who was taking his very last breaths. He held the dying king, too upset to find words of comfort.

Aden lifted his hand and looked at him with his dark green eyes, "It's alright, this was meant to happen. I know it now."

Damien took Aden's hand in his, tears welling up, "No, you can't die! You've got a wife and a baby on the way! You have to stay here!"

Aden coughed up some blood and then looked at his friend solemnly, "I have a feeling that you'll have to be the one to take care of our baby."

Damien couldn't believe what he was saying. But Aden continued, "Just promise me this, please Damien."

Keeping his eyes on the dying man, Damien nodded, "Sure dude."

Aden smiled, losing focus, "You really are a great king, and a better friend."

Damien smiled through the pain. Finally, the light in Aden's eyes went out. Gravely, Damien closed the wizard's eyes, holding the cold man in his arms, crying.

"Just a couple more pushes Reena; you can do it!" Tulie said, it was almost over.

Virginia held the weak Queen's hand, helping her through the pain. Reena gave one final push just when the baby's scream was heard. Virginia and Reena looked over at the baby, which Tulie showed them briefly before cleaning it up.

Happily, Virginia turned to Reena, "That's your baby Ree-"

But she trailed off. Reena looked extremely pale. She was on the verge of death.

"Reena!"

Calmly, Reena took a deep breath, "It's alright, this was meant to happen. I know it."

Virginia cried, "But what about Aden? Your baby?"

"I have a feeling he'll be with me. He promised," Reena held Virginia's hand tight, "Tell Lori she had to hold up on her word. Tell her I love her, just like I love you."

Wiping away countless tears, Virginia shook her head, "Okay."

Tulie had cleaned up the baby, and brought it over to Reena. Before she shut her eyes, she admired the little one, saying, and "My beautiful baby, you'll make me proud."

Crying, the baby squirmed around in the comfy blanket. Tulie held the newborn close, almost bursting out in tears herself from the awful sight. Distressed, Virginia laid her head on Reena, crying out loud.

And just like that, in one night, the little baby lost both parents.

"AH!" Leora struck Radford's blade with great force, causing him to fall back.

In a whirlwind of emotion, she said the question she had waited so long to ask, "Why?"

He pulled himself up, taking hold of his sword again, "Why what Cranston?"

She wiped some sweat from her forehead, and asked again stubbornly, "Why did you cast a spell on me so I would be barren? Of all the curses you could have cast on me why that spell?"

Gripping the sword tight, she looked into his eyes intensely, waiting for his answer. Surprised, she saw him look back at her in confusion.

"The only spell I cast dealing with you was on Aden, when I possessed his body the first time we met."

Leora was in shock, she couldn't believe it, "No, you're lying!"

But, she knew deep down he wasn't when he said, "Why would I make you barren if I was planning on killing you anyway? Wouldn't that defeat the purpose?"

All at once, Leora froze. Every thought swept over her like her life was flashing before her eyes. Blood dripping form her dead aunt at her apartment in New York, meeting a rather annoying Damien, finding out Wolf was her brother, killing the goblin, the Ice Witch, the betrayal, the death, the wedding, the happiness, the emptiness, the war.

But her thoughts were interrupted, "I will kill you; at last destroying the line of the Lady of the Rose. No more life for any Cranston."

Losing focus, Leora went into a hazy rage, her eyes burning red, "You're forgetting one thing Radford."

Grinning his yellow teeth, he replied, "And what is that?"

She smiled, showing off her fangs, "I'm a Charming now!"

Faster than the speed of light, Leora ran straight for him in a great force, pushing the sword through Radford before he could react. When he fell and his eyes closed, Leora knew it was the end of Radford Butkissinger. The name no longer made her laugh.

Wolf, out of breath, finally found Radford's fortress. He ran into the room, seeing the battle that had taken place there and remarked, "Cripes."

Then, he walked up to Leora, who was still holding the sword wedged in Radford's gut. Slowly, he took her hands and pulled the weapon away from her. Placing a hand on her face, Wolf looked Leora in the eyes.

He didn't need to say anything; Leora just knew to tell him, "It's me Wolf. No one else can take the blame; I can't have children because of me."

Delicately, he nodded, "I know Lori, I know."

Leora collapsed into his arms, crying. It was all over.

Finally, the wolves came out from the muddy bog, heading back home. Leora didn't try to talk, so Wolf just stayed silent. But when she looked over at him, she noticed the scratch on his face, she had put it there.

Stopping, she walked over to him and laid a hand on the cut, "I'm sorry about that. I was angry at the things you said. But, you were right."

He smiled jadedly at her, "It's alright; I would've done the same thing in your position. Besides, the full moon just ended, both of us have been a little grouchy."

"I know that, but still," she pulled him in for a hug, "you didn't deserve that. You're my big brother; I'm supposed to let you look out for me."

He smiled, "I'll never get used to that. I'll never get used to having a little sis as a Queen. Ah, my Queenie!"

She pulled away from him, "Please! Stop with the stupid nick names!"

He grinned and replied, "Hey, I'll do and say what I want since I'm your big brother, remember!"

"Yeah, but-" suddenly, something struck Leora's mind, hard.

She knelt over in pain, holding her head.

"Leora! Leora what's wrong?" Wolf bent over to help her.

All of a sudden, she flipped her head back up, "Something's wrong; something's wrong with Reena!"

Curious, Wolf responded, "How do you know? Huff puff, what does it matter? What's wrong with her?"

She shook her head, "I don't know what's going on. But we have to get back there right now!"

Leora turned and started running west. Worried, Wolf ran after her, quickly catching up. Leora closed her eyes in steadfast thought, 'I have to get to Reena, please, just let me get to her right now!'

Wolf looked around them. The forest was becoming very blurry. Even more disturbing, Leora was growing in white light. Anxious, he grabbed hold of her just before they disappeared from the forest.

"Reena!"

Calmly, Reena took a deep breath, "It's alright, this was meant to happen. I know it."

Suddenly, in the entrance hall of the Sleeping Queen's Castle, a bright light burst. Servants scampering around stopped and watched the bright light in astonishment. When Leora and Wolf appeared, the servants graciously smiled and knelt before the two.

Wolf was a little off balance, startled from the extremely short trip back. However, Leora didn't even notice, but ran up the stairs to Reena's room.

Virginia was crying, "But what about Aden? Your baby?"

"I have a feeling Aden will be with me. He promised," Reena held Virginia's hand tight, "Tell Lori to-"

"Tell me to what exactly?" Leora was standing at the door, out of breath. She smiled and walked over to bed.

"You came back," the feeble girl said, losing breath.

Virginia stood back and Leora took her place holding Reena's hand, "Of course I did. And everything's alright; I took care of Radford. Our kingdoms are safe."

Reena put a delicate hand on her friend's face, "I knew you would protect us. Just like you will with my baby."

Leora felt tears welling up, "What are you talking about? You're gonna be fine!"

"Lori," Reena gave her a grave look.

Sighing, Leora felt a tear run down her cheek, "I promise, Reenie."

Smiling, the frail girl replied, "You called me Reenie. You never call me that."

Just then, Wolf came in the room and walked over to Virginia. They watched the two friends say their goodbyes with heavy hearts.

Tulie had cleaned up the baby, and brought it over to Reena. She admired the little one, saying, and "My beautiful baby, you'll make me proud."

Before Leora could find the words to say, Reena shut her eyes. This time, there was no magic spell to wake her up, no prince to come and rescue her; Reena was dead.

Leora looked over her, unsure of what she should do. In a panic, tears ran down her face as she took Reena and held her in her arms.

"Oh God no," was all she could say.

After a few minutes, Leora wiped the tears from her face. She looked over at Tulie, who was holding the distressed infant. The baby knew something was wrong. Tulie came over and handed her the little one. Leora looked upon the new face and smiled.

"Reena's eyes, like violets," Leora said.

Wolf held Virginia with a bittersweet smile. They watched Leora hold the baby. All at once, Leora's head emptied. All she could see was the baby, and that's all she needed to see. For the first time, Leora smiled.

"I'll keep my promise Reena."

Several hours later, the baby was asleep along with almost everyone else. Leora sat outside on the private porch in her room, looking out at the vast land of her kingdom. She heard the floor creak and knew who was behind her.

"Before you even say anything, I just want to tell you how much I appreciate what you did. Thank you for it. And no, I don't need anything else tonight," Leora said as she pulled her long brown sweater over her further.

Tulie walked around to face her, "You're welcome. But, I wasn't going to ask if you needed anything."

Leora was a little confused. She was about to speak, but then Tulie came over to her Queen and hugged her. Surprised and moved, Leora accepted the hug gratefully.

Even in her stress, Leora whispered, "Look how I've made you all independent and direct!"

Tulie sighed stubbornly. Leora retorted, "Okay, but I did help a little!"

As soon as Tulie left, Leora looked out again at the empty tents that had been left behind by the soldiers. No one had returned from the battle. Troubled, the young Queen got up and left the castle, walking through the front doors and down into the fields.

Looking around at her kingdom, all Leora could think of was how it would all start over. The war had taken its course this very night, and soon word would come about its outcome. The tiny baby she held earlier would be the sole heir to not only Reena's kingdom, but also Leora's and Damien's as well.

'Oh God, Damien!' Leora thought to herself. She stopped in front of a small wooden bridge that was only four feet long across a small stream. Leora placed a hand on the old rail and held her head low. She had been so wrapped up with the good fight that she forgot about her premonition.

The wind swept in from the east, blowing Leora's shorter hair out of her face. She folded her brown sweater over her, cold at the thought of having to live the rest of her life alone. Her husband might be dying on a grassy knoll somewhere and it would be too late before Leora could reach him.

She shook her head, "I've proven this day that I can fight my fight alone. But I will not face the hard years of this life without you Dame!"

Closing her eyes, she stepped onto the old but sturdy bridge, letting go of the rail. It only took her a few steps until she was on the other side, but it felt like an eternity to get there. Suddenly, she felt a warm light on her face.

Opening her green eyes, Leora looked east at the bright sun rising. It was covered in pink and purple streams of light, dancing with the golden clouds. The sun came up over the far hill ahead of her covered with wildflowers. But unexpectedly, Leora saw a sight far more magnificent than the one already set.

A young man's figure could barely be seen in the golden light blinding Leora. Squinting her eyes, Leora could see the dark haired man wearing dark pants with a light shirt and a dark coat. Like a man lost on an important quest, Damien walked up to her.

Gasping a little, Leora couldn't find words to show her surprise and happiness. All Leora knew in her mind was that when she saw him walk up to her, she knew he was the one. Silently, Damien stopped in front of her, taking his chin and resting it against her forehead, holding her delicately.

Tears again streamed down the woman's face. Leora laughed a little bit, "That's the third time today; I'm such a mess."

Damien pulled her head back and took a look at her, "No Miss Leora, I think you're put together quite nicely, that's one of the many reasons I married you. You're breathtaking."

Leora closed her eyes. No matter how bad things got, Damien's British accent always managed to soothe her.

Damien slid his fingers through her hair, admiring the change, "It suits you."

Leora wanted the moment to last forever, but she knew she had to say it, "Reena's passed away. Giving birth was too much for her."

Damien nodded, "I had a feeling. Aden died on the field; he saved my life."

Leora lowered her head. She knew it was true even before he said it, but she didn't want to believe it. Then suddenly, a thought came to her.

"I know why I'm barren,"

Damien held her face gently, giving her all the time she needed to speak.

"Reena and Aden were going to die. I, I think that God made me barren so that I could be here to take care of their child. So we could raise their child for them; in their honor."

Damien leaned over to her, "Now that sounds like the Leora I know." Compassionately, he kissed her forehead and took her in a strong embrace.

"The fighting is over," he said.

Just as the sun crept over the hill, all the soldiers from the war that had made it through walked back into the 8th Kingdom.