Diaval struggled to keep up with his small black wings. Even in the wake of her powerful updrafts Diaval was no match for Maleficent's speed. To make matters worse, she was going at full speed.

At the break of dawn a trembling courtier had brought a terrible news: Aurora had taken ill. Without a moment's hesitation Maleficent had taken to the skies leaving him behind struggling to catch up. But Diaval did not blame her for he understood her urgency. She was in danger of losing two of the most important people to her; Aurora and the child she nurtured in her womb.

When they arrived, Aurora laid on her bed, with Philip by her side. Her face was gaunt and pale, the usual rose luster and joyful glow about her no longer visible.

Even before recovering from her labored breathing, she placed her hand on Aurora's forehead. Cool magic prodded Aurora's baking skin, searching.

Everyone in the room seemed to have held their breaths for only the swirling of magic could be heard. The magic delved deep, attempting to quell all forms of illness in it's way. It was now in her belly and Maleficent could feel her fever gradually residing. She was about to withdraw when something stir inside Aurora's body. Something did not seem right.

"Godmother..." Taken by surprise Maleficent gave a little jerk.

Before Maleficent could reply with a "hmm...?" Aurora moaned.

"Aurora? Are you well?" Maleficent's brow furrowed, Aurora had just affirmed her thought that something must have went wrong.

"Godmother, the child...pain..." Aurora gripped Maleficent's hand as waves of contractions washed through her. She rolled to the side in a vain attempt to relieve some of the pain. Philip was almost immediately by Aurora's side soothing her, worry written in every crevice on his face. "But the child is not to arrive for another two month! Godmother, what is happening?"

The whole room was once again met with silence as everyone stared at Maleficent's aghast expression, ensure of what has just occurred.

It did not last for long. Aurora curled into a ball as agony ripped through her. "Help... Help... Godmother..."

Everyone was suddenly caught in a flurry of panic, Philip calming Aurora, hand maids preparing steaming water and towels, healers running about the room; all but one person. Maleficent stood there as still a tree, as stiff as statue.

What have a just done. What have I just done... She took a step towards Aurora, then another. Blood spilled out of Aurora. What have I just done... Screams tore through the room. No...no...no... Maleficent ran towards the window and dived out. What have I just done!

She flew up, higher and higher until she burst into the clouds. It was a breathtaking sight; sunlight spilled over the green lands spreading it's warmth and bringing beauty to everything. But that did not register in Maleficent mind, all that went through her head was frustration, angry and fear. She was afraid of what she has done, of losing the people closest to her. Not sure where she should go but unwilling to venture too far away from the castle, she landed back on the tallest point of the castle, the roof just 3 rooms above Aurora's chambers. Maleficent cringed as howl of pain traveled to her ears. It was all her fault. Her vision swam with tears as they threatened to fall out. Nothing will happen to her... she'll be alright... nothing will happen...

Caw! A stupid bird distracted her thoughts. Caw! No, it was the stupid bird. "Go back Diaval, she needs you there."

In a whirl, Diaval turned into a man, carefully placing his steps so that now he was directly behind her. "No Maleficent, she needs you more than I do."

"I do not deserve to be there. I am the reason why she if suffering now. Go back Diaval."

Diaval was evidently frustrated and sighed before continuing, "Why are you so stubborn sometimes! Don't you get it, she needs you whether you've caused it or not, you're the closest person she has to a mother! And if you really think that it's your fault then all the more you should be down there making sure she's alright, correcting the wrong you've made!"

Maleficent was about to counter but another wave of moaning from Aurora cut her off. "Please. She needs you." Diaval's voice softened.

Taking a deep breath Maleficent composed herself and flew back in Aurora's chambers.

The little prince was bawling. Just like his mother once did and he couldn't stop. Aurora sang, Philip made funny faces, Diaval told stories; but he didn't stop. It went on for hours and just as Maleficent was about to declare that she had to leave, "Godmother, do you want to hold him?" Aurora held the crying bundle out.

"No!" Perhaps Maleficent exclaimed too loudly for Aurora's shoulder's slumped and hurt was evident on her facial features.

Maleficent sighed in defeat and stretched her hands out. A smile immediately lit up Aurora's face. She received the child with both hands facing up, unsure of how to carry her. What was she supposed to do, she did not know. But instinctively she begun swaying him lightly back and forth looking into his watery blue eyes. She was so enchanted by his eyes that looked so similar to his mother's that she failed to realise that he had stopped crying.

"That's not fair! I told him so many stories and all you had to do was hold him?!" Maleficent met Diaval's glare with a mischievous grin. "He must like me ALOT better than you."

Much to Aurora's amusement and Maleficent's chagrin Diaval pouted and stormed out of the queen's chambers. Witnessing this scene, Philip couldn't resist adding on. "Well, that's one less person to make him cry."

Everyone burst out laughing, filling the hallways with echoes of their guffaws. Unbeknownst to them, Diaval was doing so right outside the chambers too.

Reviews will be much appreciated :D thanks for reading! :) I hope to continue but I have yet to decide if the direction of this story...