The Border Between Worlds.

An ancient barrier that separates different realms and their civilians.

Unless, I allow them permission, of course.

The Queen of The Fusing Kingdoms of Monsters and Fairytale Creatures. The only person with subconscious magic and powerful abilities to manipulate her body to transform into any creäture she desires.

Yes, this power is indeed amazing, but with every blessing there is a curse. I have come to learn that through the most painful circumstances ever imaginable.

Unfortunately, I'm only 17.

Still a child.

Still innocent.

However, what I am, is not an accident.

The day I was chosen to become a queen, after the kingdoms' magic chose me as it's vessel and successor, I was given the authority to control the passage between worlds.

It happened so suddenly, I was taken and placed in front of an ancient gemstone. I placed my palms on the gemstone's surface and immediately felt a surge of new magic stream into my veins, but at the same time I felt my veins delivering blood to the stone.

When the bond was created, the beautiful stone of magic and I connected with each other. It was a part of me and I was a part of it.

The problem is, Connor J. Smith knows this. I don't know how, but he does and that's all that matters. He knows that if he can't get his hands on me, he can rather snatch the stone instead.

It's basically the same thing when I hold this bond. Therefore, he'll have to break it and steal it's power, but that's where I come in.

I gained a second identity as the Protector, therefore I wouldn't have to worry about the political problems that I would faced if I asked to become a warrior and still rule as their queen.

My people didn't want to gamble with my life, since I am their only heir and a child for that matter.

The point is, as the Protector it is my duty to make sure Connor J. Smith dies at my hands.

That's all to it, really.

~

"Young Mistress! This is malarkey! You know there is no need for a war!" After announcing my decision on the matter, my guardians have lost their minds over my protection and safety.

Siva goes on and on about his disapproval, which almost causes me to snore. "Yes, Connor J. Smith has a variety of followers, however, they're not even trained soldiers! Most of them are businessmen and scientists!"

I created an extra room in the twins' mansion and named it as our private conference room to come up with a sort of compromise about whether we should announce a war.

I've been stuck in this room all day.

"Although I understand that Smith has an army of demons supporting him, you know most of them are still trapped in their realm waiting for their promised escape! Basically, Smith doesn't actually have an army at all!" Completely bored senseless from Siva's lecture, I sigh from tiredness.

"Your point is?" After completely losing my patience, I end up cutting Siva off quite rudely. Siva finally quiets down and stares at me with an angered expression, obviously offended.

"Young Mistress, please tell me you've been listening." Of course, Siva second guesses my interest and I end up sighing from frustration. "Yes, I have." I answer with simple words and try my hardest to stay polite.

"Siva, I think there's a bit of miscommunication between us. Look, I know Connor J. Smith doesn't have an army, but if he gets his hands on that gemstone, he will have one." I stand from my seat and walk casually toward Siva.

"I'm going to need troops, I'm going to need loyal soldiers, I'm going to need weapons. Not for a war, but for the prevention of one." I eye my butler seriously and Siva ponders this for a moment.

"I suppose your right, but you don't have to necessarily fight in this battle..you can just watch over it." Knowing that of course Siva is only protesting and making excuses for my safety, I scoff at him and shake my head.

"If a leader doesn't lead, then what purpose do they have? A leaderless army serves me no use, Siva." My steward butler merely sighs and rubs his temple. After grinning from victory, I walk toward the door.

"Elizabeth, the only way I'll approve your decision, is if you allow me to fight beside you too." His serious gaze catches me off guard and my eyes widen at their capacity. Then a strong sorrow swells over me. "Very well, but you know if I have to choose your life over The Kingdoms, I won't choose you."

Siva nods his head and stands with determination to secure my life and victory. "I understand the consequences, I'll always put your life before mine and if you have to make that decision, I will accept my death with peace knowing your still alive."

His last words cause a striking pain in my heart, but as a leader I don't allow for Siva to see my feelings. "You overprotective freak." I retort to his actions and Siva widens his eyes and gazes at me.

His gaze is soft and warm, so you could easily tell my attempt of hiding my emotions were meaningless. "Mistress.." His sweet, loving smile really does confirm he'll make a perfect father some day. "Just stay alive, or I'll never forgive you." Siva's smile disappears and seriousness clings to his features again.

"What do you mean?" He asks and I shake my head after glaring at him. "You promised to stay by my side forever until my death, so if you die before me then I'll engrave 'liar' on your tombstone." My response shocks Siva and when he stares into my eyes, he can easily see the sorrow I'm trying to hide.

Siva bends down on one knee and places his hand over his heart. "I believe you're underestimating me this time, Young Mistress." His response brings back memories and I try my hardest to hold back tears.

I frown and grip my hands into fists. "Your right. I'll never do so again, Siva. That's my promise to you." I calm my beating heartbeat and watch Siva bow his head. "Yes, my Young Mistress." His words bring confidence to me and I begin to relax.

I smile warmly and Siva returns my smile as I leave the room.

As I step out of the room and leave Siva to handle other problems, I sense a peculiar presence.

I narrow my eyes and my mood immediately wavers. "What do you want." Evan stands before me with cold eyes and a glare that could kill. He sighs and gazes at a window. "I received news that Smith is preparing to leave and arrive to the gate before nightfall."

I nod my head and mumble a 'thank you' as I walk past Evan. I try to shove him with my shoulder, but he quickly moves to the side.

Avoiding my touch.

"Still following orders, eh?" I mock his anger and find Evan staring at the floor. "As my master, I must abide your rules." His response is simple, only mechanical and emotionless. The lack of interest unnerves me and I feel angry.

I don't know why though.

"Is that all you can say, haven't you been going on about your undeniable love for me?" Evan's eyes widen and he immediately raises his head to gawk at me. His reaction makes me feel better and I automatically anticipated a cheerful answer.

"Forgive my antics, master. I won't act that way ever again. Believe me, I didn't have any interest in you to begin with, so my promise is valid." His cold demeanor returns and he swiftly leaves my side.

His response, however, wasn't what I wanted to hear. Strangely enough, seeing him walk away so abruptly brings a new kind of yearning to my heart. The emotion isn't anything I've ever felt before, it's surprisingly painful.

"Evan." I call out his name before he disappears into a corner. He stops without a single hint of interest and, honestly, it's getting annoying to see him act so robotic.

I stomp my way toward him and clutch his collar to pull him closer. "What are you doing to me?!" Complete fear compels me to act in such a way that it seems foreign to me now. Evan raises an eyebrow and glares at me.

"Master? If your going to accuse me of trickery, please refrain yourself from doing so." His response sounds so honest and it brings more fear into my heart. My eyes widen and I stare deeply into Evan's eyes.

"Then..why do I feel this way..?" I whisper the horrifying thought, but sadly Evan hears my question loud and clear. His eyes glow that red color and he grins devilishly. "After all that I've said and done, now you realize your feelings. When it's already too late."

My heart pounds and jumps in my chest. This feeling isn't allowing any control from me and I immediately hate it. "Shut up. I don't know what you're talking about." My response is colder than Evan's stare and demeanor. His eyes soften for a moment, but quickly regain their stiffness.

"Very well, master. If you'll excuse me." Expecting to feel a wave of relief to see Evan finally walk away, instead it makes my heart pound even harder. Pain and yearning grasp the strings of my heart and I feel as if I'm being toyed with.

"Evan!" This time when I call out to him, my yell sounds more pleading. Evan turns his head slowly toward me and gazes into my eyes. I slowly walk toward him and with every step I take, I feel my pride scream and yell at me for being so damn pathetic.

"Who gave you permission to leave..!" The words I want to say so badly can't leave my goddamn mouth and this frustration is clearly plastered on my face. "Is there something you need, master?" Hearing him call me by that stupid name, brings more anger into my heart.

I lower my head and stare at the ground.

"Before I say anything stupid, tell me..what did you mean by 'already too late'?" I keep my head down and try my hardest to keep my composure. There's nothing but silence until Evan eventually breaks the awkwardness and speaks.

"I've been engaged to a demon mistress. We plan to wed by next month..why do you ask?"

Stunned by his words, I feel my heartbeat worsen and quicken so fast it feels painful to even breathe. My palms have become sweaty and my eyes have widen to their capacity, and let's not forget the huge lump in my throat.

Elizabeth, remember, the only reason this demon wants to serve under you is because of your strength, if you show him any hint weakness, you know very well what he might do!

As reason begins to flood back into my mind, the strange feeling that had complete control over me finally began to dissipate. I raised my head and smiled so sweetly you could barely tell I was angry.

"No reason, I was just wondering why you were in such a rotten mood today, now I know why."

Even if my foul words don't match my sweet smile, Evan still manages to keep his composure. "I'm grateful to hear you're concerned for me, master. Even so, I still have somewhere else I need to be at the moment, if you'll excuse me." Evan bows and turns to walk away, even if he was offended by my words.

"Oh wait! Evan, we're leaving this realm today and we're going to head off to my castle. If you need anything call me and I'll arrive as a guest." I inform my demon ally and he nods his head before dashing out of a window.

His fleeing figure brings a frown to my face. "What the hell came over me..?" I lower my head and stare at the ground again.

I don't know, but if you want to ensure your new pawn's loyalty you mustn't act that way again, ever.

I nod my head solemnly and lock my feelings away to prevent any outburst like that ever again. "I won't allow myself to lose control of my feelings." I force myself into obeying that order and walk over to the giant staircase that leads to the living room.

Once I find the staircase, I sense a presence nearby. "Ashja.." In plain sight, I see my close friend watching tv on a couch.

Your on the brink of raging a war and you still have the energy to worry about her?

I slowly descend off the stairs and gaze at Ashja's bored expression. "I have to decide her fate quickly because if I don't, I could ruin her life." I finally reach the last step and walk toward my friend.

I see, just make sure you do it before we head off for battle.

I nod my head and stand behind Ashja.

"Hey."

Shocked to hear a voice towering above her, my friend falls off her seat. "The hell? What do you want?" Anticipating a different reaction, I stand with wide eyes. My shocked expression changes to a sad smile and I walk over to help Ashja off the floor.

"I've avoided you lately, I'm sorry." Ashja's eyes widen and she gawks at me. I shake my head and begin to clear things out. "I'm sorry about everything. All you asked off me was my trust. In return I completely lied about everything..I'm really sorry."

I gaze at the floor and expect for Ashja to yell in my face and storm away in a huff, but she doesn't.

"You've told me before, I'm only a single friend and compared to your responsibilities I'm just a number too", Her words bring back the conversation we had when Nicholas captured us.

"I guess I understand why you kept this a secret, you did it so I wouldn't get involved..so you would never have to make that choice of choosing your kingdoms over my life." I grin from ear to ear as I finally hear Ashja understand the circumstances with maturity.

"Yeah, it wouldn't be so much fun to let my friend suffer because of my mistakes." I chuckle and hear more footsteps rushing down from the staircase. "Still friends?" I ask while I ignore the cheerful yelps from my servants. Ashja stares at me for a moment and shakes her head with delight.

"Yeah, still friends."

Hearing those few words bring a new scheme into my head.

"Young Mistress! Are we actually going back home?!" Jean jumps off the staircase and comes to my side with a cheerful grin. I turn my gaze and see a perplexed expression on Ashja's face. "What is he talking about?" I put her question on hold as Elliot and Jinx come to my side too.

"Please confirm the good news, Young Mistress. Tell me we don't have to stay any longer in this agonizing realm." With hopeful eyes, Jinx anticipates an answer from me. I nod my head and he practically jumps with joy.

"Thank goodness, I thought I was going to go half mad if I stayed any longer." Elliot breathes a sigh of relief and I watch him bring the good news to Siva. His expression was beyond happy.

"Liz, what are they talking about?" I stare at Ashja and try to tell her my decision, but a certain group of teenagers break my concentration. "Elizabeth! We're going home? Already?" Compared to everyone else's enthusiasm, Alexander doesn't seem thrilled.

He comes rushing to my side and I place my hand on his head. I pet him comfortably and smile warmly at him. "I'm afraid so, the vacation is over." Hearing my reply, Alexander begins to pout with puppy dog eyes nobody could resist.

"Hey, what if I promised you could fly my private dragon when we returned?" My promise immediately cheers the apprentice and his smile lightens up again. "Boss. What about us?" Turning my gaze at my newest recruits, I walk toward them and ready to give them the news.

"I recruited both of you because I felt you could prove useful to me..and you still do, so your coming with us and continuing your training as my personal bodyguards." Thinking I was going to leave them behind, I can tell they've perked up after hearing my response.

"ELIZABETH!"

Silence overcomes the air and all of us stare at Ashja. "What the hell is going on?!" Realizing I haven't been paying attention to her questions, I immediately walk over to her.

"Come with me."

I stare deeply and seriously into Ashja's eyes and she practically stumbles with confusion.

"Where?"

Her question readies me to tell her what I've planned ever since we escaped the secretary's imprisonment.

"A place where I go to escape reality."

My reply catches her off guard and complete denial overcomes her features.

"Your insane!"

Just hearing that remark causes me to give a mocking snort.

"Obviously."

Anger and frustration compelling over my friend, she growls at me and waves her hand in the air.

"I'm not going anywhere and you can't force me!"

Hearing the childish complaint coming from Ashja, I shake my head and sigh at her reluctance.

"I wasn't forcing you, just trust me and I promise you'll understand everything."

Trying to put my scheme into place, I try my best to persuade her into stepping into my trap.

"...."

Ashja, feeling there's something wrong with my request, only stands and glares at me. I sigh and rid my face of any trickery.

"Well?"

I extend my hand and she slowly takes it.

"There's no going back. You'll never be the same after this.."

Of course, I still have the little decency of warning her before I try to ensnare her into another one of my ploys, but nonetheless she nods her head understandingly and I pull her into a world of madness and wonder...

"Then it's been decided." I clutch her hand with one of mine and wave the other one in the air. I pump magic into the atmosphere and notice each of my servants taking out a stone powered by magic.

The magic from their personal stones rise from their vessels and swirl like mist into the air.

Magic surges through my veins and I feel it rise into my eyes. My pupils slit and my eyes change into that enchanting shade of purple. The portal is almost complete, but it still requires a bit more magic to work.

"Alexander!" I call out to my apprentice and he rushes to my side, then he pumps more magic into the air and the spell is complete.

*BAM!*

The world seems to explode in front of our faces and it feels as if we're being sucked into a black hole. Our luggage and bodies fly unconsciously toward a blinking light. The soothing floatations reminds me of my love of portals.

The perfect place to think.

Then in a blinding second, as fast as we felt our bodies fly into the portal, now we feel them slam against a cold surface.

"W..we're here." Groaning from the sudden flash of pain, I force my body off the ground. Unfortunately, my arms are too weak and I find myself hitting the ground again.

How could you do that so suddenly?! You idiot! How many times do I have to tell you?! Too much magic means broken bones!

Laughing the pain off, I roll on my back and gasp as I feel my ribs crumble to pieces. "Young Mistress!" Hearing the sound of Siva's voice, I try to force my eyes open. The second Siva rushed to my side, I immediately felt myself in his embrace.

He placed his arms under me and lifted me up in the air. "Your majesty, who are these strangers?!" Hearing my guards rush over to me as well, cause my head to begin throbbing. "Damn it.." I allow my guards to surround my friends, but not before I roll my eyes.

I scowl and look around for my other butler. "Elliot! Please round-up every last servant and guard in the castle, so you may tell them of our circumstances." I leave the annoying guards to my vampire butler and they immediately surround him.

"Jinx! Take care of my friends' room quarters!" I order my witch doctor and he signals everyone to follow him. I growl from the annoying turn of events and rub my temple with two fingers. "Young Mistress?" Forcing my eyes open, I raise my head to stare at my loyal servant.

"Hm?" I show no signs of pain and casually reply to him, of course to Siva's disapproval. "You shouldn't hide your pain...at least not in front of me. What good am I to you if I can't tell when you need me?" Hearing that remark causes a bitter laugh to escape my lips.

"Your right. Take me to the garden, I broke a few ribs during our ride." Hearing me speak so easily about my broken bones, Siva merely shakes his head and runs to the garden with me still in his arms.

Once we arrive, I decide to hurry with the war preparations. "Siva, once I'm done healing I expect you to ready my troops. Smith leaves before nightfall, so you have until then." I order my steward butler as a giant plant slithers around my waist.

Siva allows me to lay on the ground as the plant heals me. He rises off the ground and stands towering over me with his hand over his chest. "Yes, Young Mistress...but will you need assistance when your done healing?" The question leaves me thinking and I take a minute to wonder.

"Before you take care of my orders, I need you to bring me Ashja and Alexander first before anything else. It's urgent." Staring deeply into my butler's eyes, I make sure he understands the seriousness of the situation.

"Certainly."

I breathe a sigh when Siva leaves the room and enjoy the soothing magic dance around my waist.

What are you planning?

I growl as my moment of peace suddenly interrupts because of a certain voice. "I said I would take care of  Ashja before the battle and that's what I intend to do." I turn on my side and try to breathe in the plant's refreshing aroma.

I see your point, but what if it fails? What if you kill her?

Mumbling curses under my breath, I force my body off the ground and gently remove the plant from my waist. "I know! I haven't forgotten about the consequences, and I don't intend to fail for that matter!" Scowling at my magic, I force my body off the ground and stand up straight.

Composing myself and finding the energy to stay awake, I wait patiently before my guests arrive. Standing in the silence, memories begin to flood my mind and the image of my friend comes into view.

I remembered the first day I met her.

The first day I went to college.

I wasn't really the type of girl who made friends easily by showing a smile. I could if I wanted to, but that wasn't enough motivation for me to actually go and make friends. I was antisocial, and I still am, but when I met Ashja...well, when I bumped into her and we ended up getting locked inside of the girls locker room, we had enough time for a conversation.

At first I thought Ashja would begin talking and we'd end up in an awkward silence because I'd never respond to anyone's questions, but that wasn't the case. Ashja never said a word, she didn't smile or wave, she just sat down and tapped the screen on her phone for what seemed like hours.

At first I enjoyed the silence and lack of communication, but this new reaction from someone confused me. I wasn't used to this sort of reaction. Having been bombarded by nosy questions and skeptical faces coming from my guests at banquets, has become common to me.

Nothing. I wasn't getting anything from Ashja.

After what seemed like forever, someone eventually opened the door from outside and we were free. Ashja was the first to leave the room, but I just couldn't let her go. She was different and it felt so refreshing to have her around.

I felt like I didn't have to put on a second mask when I was around her, I felt like I didn't have to submit to her opinions and act the way she'd want me to.

No.

I could act like myself...and for that reason I ran after her to clutch her sweater's sleeve. I held on to it as tightly as I could, so she wouldn't run away. Surprised to see this reaction from me, she still smiled...and then burst out into a laughing fit.

I remembered a dark blush formed on my face and I felt extremely embarrassed. I thought she was making fun of me, and she was, but strangely enough I liked it.

It had been so long since I felt embarrassed...since I felt any emotion other than boredom and lack of enthusiasm. I, for once, felt normal again. I felt ordinary and plain again...and I, feeling determined to continue feeling this way, never let Ashja leave my side.

Until now.

"Elizabeth? Siva said you wanted to see us." Interrupted from my thinking, a familiar voice caught my attention. I kept my back facing theirs and lowered my head to the ground. "Alexander, it's time." Having remained quiet, my apprentice slowly placed himself behind my friend. To Ashja's surprise, Alexander grabbed hold of her arms and locked them behind her to prevent her from running away.

"H..hey! The hell are you doing?!" Ignoring her demands of an explanation, I turn around and slowly make my way toward her.

"Ashja Maiden. You know me as Elizabeth Stone, a queen, the Protector, a good friend, but what you might, or might not know, is that those names are not my only titles. People have called me a witch, a killer, and even a sadist...and today you'll give me a new title of your own",

Struggling in Alexander's magical hold, Ashja's eye's widen as I raise my hand and keep my palm hovering over her forehead. "I don't know..what you're going..to do to me, but whatever it is, I believe it's for...a good reason." Keeping her composure, Ashja accepts her fate without having any doubts in me.

I shake my head and erase any signs of smiling. "No, I'm just throwing away one of my dolls." Answering her with cold, harsh words I slam my palm on her forehead and command magic to flow from my fingers, only to later enter her head with brute force.

Ashja screams and falls to her knees, but I keep my hand intact. Her eyes widen and she stares at me with watery eyes. I clench my teeth and ignore my feelings as I focus my magic on Ashja. "W..why then?" Hearing a faint voice under me, I stare dumbly at Ashja's question. "Why now? Why are you going to kill me now?"

Understanding the question, I frown and stare into Ashja's eyes as I continue to let my magic flow into her head until there's no more space. "Because you prove no more use to me. I became your friend because it was convenient...and now its not." As Ashja processes my words, I yank my magic out of her and pull her memories along with it.

As the memories we both shared begin to slip away from Ashja's mind, my dear friend also begins to lose consciousness. Her eyelids begin to droop and I can feel her energy slipping away.

Thinking this is the end of our friendship, I barely miss a faint whisper.

"Y..You.."

Waiting for the horrible title Ashja will leave for me before she forgets everything about our relationship, I close my eyes and expect the worst.

"Y..You..liar.. Just trying to..hide your feelings..again."

My heart stops and complete shock overpowers my body. I stare into Ashja and gasp at the sad smile on her pained face. The last of our memories slip from her mind and I watch Ashja fall unconscious as I pull back my magic. I continue to hold my beloved friend in my arms as I feel my eyes burning.

"Elizabeth..? Y..You didn't kill her..why?"

Burying my face into her shoulder, I let sorrow control me and tears cascade from eyes. Trembling from sadness I can barely answer Alexander's question.

"Who said I was going to kill her?" With that Alexander remains quiet and I continue to choke on my cries of misery.

~

Knowing my eyes are bloodshot, I still hold my composure as I see one of my guards take Ashja's body away and deliver her back to the human realm...where she belongs.

"Young Mistress, now that you have dealt with Miss Maiden, are you ready to head off for the gate?" Snapping out of my depressed state, I turn around to find Siva wearing his respected butler attire instead of his usual knitted sweater and black pants.

At first I'm about to answer my butler's question, but I'm interrupted by another familiar voice.

"Before you answer that, You're well aware that were not letting you go without us, right?" Hearing Jinx talk for the rest of my servants, I smile weakly and nod my head. "You would have gone without my consent anyway, and that goes for all of you too." I say as I refer to my apprentice and recruits.

They also nod their heads as they stand determinedly beside me too. Having everyone by my side makes me feel better, but I still neglect my feelings because of the serious issue at hand.

"LET'S GO!"

I raise my hand in the air and pump magic into it. Magic explodes from my fingers and I feel a satisfying surge of power flow through my body.

I focus a bit more and channel the magic into a nice portal. Once I finished the spell, I turn my head around and stare at the pouring soldiers descend from the castle's walls.

"Soldiers! NOW IS THE TIME FOR VICTORY! STAND BY THE QUEEN'S SIDE WITH ME TO THE BITTER END!" Hearing confident roars coming from my guardians and troops, I raise my hand in the air and slice the wind to signal the attack.

My guardians, apprentice, recruits and soldiers flood the portal and launch themselves for a major ambush. I stand and watch them laugh at the face of death.

"Are you sure about this? War is a very serious matter, not something you should toy with." Both Siva and I stand before the blue-colored portal and feel the magical wind blow into our faces. I lower my head and feel a bit more magic surge through my fingers.

My markings engrave themselves on my face and I remove the mask I had to cover my identity from the troops. As I hold the mask between my fingers and I feel my clothing change into my uniform, a sudden spark of adrenaline pricks my insanity.

"This battle won't become the spark of a war, merely a game to decide what the winner will claim for next. If my players win, I'll finish this for good."

Mustering up a flame, I burn the mask in between my fingers and watch the ashes flutter into the air.

"You see, this is something I need to toy with because, unfortunately, one cannot win by merely following the rules...I was born to play around with the strings of my puppets and others. It's something I do best...and what I can't seem to accomplish...is to lose so easily to my enemies."

Raising my head into the air and watching the gloomy clouds devour the moonlight, my ambition seems to control every part of my body

"I've come too far to lose so pathetically now. If this battle will possibly ensure my victory, then I have no other choice but to win. I am the Protector, I am a queen, this power...I use, not for others, but for myself! ..Therefore there's no excuse for my failure!"

Feeling my feet move on their own, I shove my body into the portal and watch Siva confidently rush to my side. Swirling through the portal with him on my left, I ready myself for the bloodshed that will bring victory into my hands.

I ready myself for the battle that will finish this once and for all...even If I have to cheat reality and create my own odds of winning.

Because that is your true power, not me, but your wits and determination. Truly our bond is nothing less than pure perfection.