A/N: This is a little something that I came up with after watching Maleficent. It's an amazing movie and I think that Diaval should've gotten more attention.

Summary: It is Aurora's destiny to become queen. Diaval wholeheartedly agrees. He does not, however, agree with Prince Philip being the one to be her king. His own opinion on the matter being the least reason for that… or so he thinks.

Chapter One

Aurora was a beautiful, kind and lovely sixteen year old that also happened to be incredibly naïve as well. And while it was a good thing to be beautiful, kind and lovely, it was far from good to be naïve on Aurora's level. Why, just the other day she nearly slipped down a flight of stairs outside in the gardens, while chasing a butterfly. Thankfully, she had been passing two guards who had managed to catch her before she split her head open. And that had been just in her first week of residing in that dreary castle.

Then, on a Monday, there was the teacup incident and later on the same day, at dinner, the poor girl nearly cut a finger off while talking with one of the ladies of her court. The list of almost-disasters grew by the hour and it had been on a Friday afternoon that poor Maleficent had finally had enough of both Aurora's precariousness and the other humans' redundancy.

With a swish of her hand, Diaval was standing before her in his human form.

"This has continued far too long."

"I wholeheartedly agree, Mistress."

"It's only a matter of time before something really bad happens to our Beastie and I'd loathe seeing such an event come to pass. My poor Aurora's vastly unprepared for the real world. Those three haven't taught her a thing and I hadn't dared to interfere too directly. All of this is my fault."

"Surely you are mistaken, Mistress…" Diaval tried to appease her but a single look from her eerily green eyes silenced him. There was no room for beating around the bush. It really was Maleficent's fault. She knew it, he knew it, hell, both the kingdoms knew it. Even that King John and his kingdom knew it.

"Our Beastie knows not the dangers of this world, even now after everything that transpired. That is why I am sending you to her, Diaval."

"Mistress?" the crow asked reluctantly, not sure if he understood what was wanted of him exactly.

"Keep her safe, Diaval. Help her learn, advise her. Stay by her side as you have stood at mine."

"You wish for me to leave you, mistress?"

"I wish for you to be at Aurora's side, Diaval, for the ease of both my mind and heart. No one else can do this but you."

"Very well, Mistress." Diaval bowed his head and prepared himself to be turned into a crow again to fly off straight away. After a few moments he turned to see the Fae Lady Maleficent staring thoughtfully at him.

"You have served me well, crow. And now you shall be serving Aurora for the years to come."

The hairs on the back of his neck stood as he felt powerful magic beginning to swarm about his mistress. He held his breath, anticipating whatever she was about to unleash upon him.

"As a crow you shall be her messenger, the eyes that others seldom see.

As a man you shall stand by her side, faithful and loyal as very few would ever claim to be.

As a dragon you shall protect her and our kingdoms, with fierceness few would dare to challenge.

And, finally, a wolf, a creature that you dislike oh so much, and yet none would manage to escape your senses.

These gifts I bestow upon you, Diaval Crow, for when I cannot be there, you shall always be!"

The magic swirled and took form into a sparkling mist of green and gold. And then that mist headed for him and his eyes grew large as it enveloped him and seeped into his being. He felt his pulse quicken and his breathing was shallow and ragged with the adrenaline rush. And just as it had started so did it end with an abrupt suddenness and Diaval fell to his knees.

A moment passed and the crow had to remind himself to breathe again.

"Rise, Diaval." Maleficent ordered softly, her green eyes once more dulled to a gentle spark.

And rose he did, feeling ever so slightly…different. He looked at the Fae Lady for guidance and further instructions, as he always did.

"Don't forget to visit." She intoned softly and then walked away, a small smile tugging at her lips.

With nothing else left to do, Diaval turned towards the direction in which Aurora's castle lay and with a mere thought shifted into a crow and flew in that direction.