'Ready everyone?' She called out.

'Ready', the group called back.

And the horses set off Maleficia.

The journey felt longer than it actually was, and it was mostly silent. No one had really stopped to think about what they were doing yet, and this was the moment where it was finally hitting them.

As they approached the borders of Maleficia, Esme pulled out her costume, ready to put on. It felt strange to see it again, considering that it had caused her life to change so much, and now she was putting it back on to band together with her new family and do some good. Countess Raven was really a part of her now, life would look so different without it.

She stood in front of her team as Countess Raven and they stared back at her and smiled. There was no more lying to them, they were with her now. Colin walked up to her.

'Go and face your people, Countess Raven,' he whispered.

She stood atop the rubble and looked out across Maleficia, trying to decide the best way to go about this. And realised she should take this back where it all started, the town square where she'd been banished by the King and Queen a year before. She was taking back control now.

Climbing up to the seats where they'd looked down at her and told her she was a traitor and a witch, Esme felt a sense of empowerment. She stood where they had, staring at her like she was scum, ordering a mob after her, and she took in what she was seeing. A town of her people who were fighting back, people who knew who she really was, and just wanted her to come home. She took a deep breath and rang the bell that chimed across Maleficia.

The townspeople began to gather in the square and looked up at her.

'Good evening everyone, I don't think anyone was expecting this to happen. A year ago, we stood in this very town square and witnessed a mob being ordered towards me. I was accused of being a witch, a traitor, a backstabber, all of it. And I was chased away, without being able to say goodbye to any of you. But I've heard what you've done for me, and I know now that you see who I really am. I hope we can see each other properly soon, but for now, I've come to help you. I've brought some of the best fighters in the land, some of my best friends who are risking their lives to help us in our time of need. We're going to join you, and break into the palace, so hopefully this will all be over and we can get our town back to the beautiful place we once lived in.'

The town cheered. And Esme felt a strong sense of warmth in her heart.

The group entered the town square, and the townspeople parted to let them through. Esme lead them to the palace and when she turned back to look, everyone had followed them. They were all rooting for her now.

They all drew their swords, while Fran took a bag off her bag full of inventions she'd created and the fight was on.

'Oh Lord, have mercy on my soul,' Colin mumbled, terrified.

'This might just be the most insane thing I've ever done,' Gabriel said, 'and I'm so ready for it.'

The knights ran at them and immediately started fighting. Fran began catapulting smoke bombs at the knights, while the townspeople cheered and shouted encouragement at them.

Esme, Adalia and Darcey took the lead, and managed to take down the strongest knights. The three of them together made an unstoppable team, while Colin, Gabriel and Theo fought off their own pack behind them. The guards backed them all up.

Between them all, the knights didn't stand a chance.

'Where did these people come from?' one knight said.

'Bellicosus Kingdom,' Theo responded, 'we have our people's backs.'

And on that note, Theo stabbed the knight.

Colin saw a knight going for Gabriel and got up behind him before stabbing him in the back. Gabriel was stunned, but so proud of his best friend.

'You know, I'm liking this new confidence, Colin. It looks good on you,' he smiled.

'Thanks, we're not just a town peasants anymore, Gabriel'.

Eventually the door broke open and everyone rushed into the palace.

'You're too late if you want to see the King and Queen,' one of the staff said, 'they left out the back door.'

'Cowards,' Gabriel puffed.

'Will they be returning?' Esme asked, 'I would like to speak to them.'

'What do you think? All the staff have left, the town is in ruins and what's worse is you're back.'

Esme stepped forwards, 'you'd better believe I'm back.'

Everyone cheered, and Esme took to the front of the crowd.

'Well, looks like the king and queen have finally gone. We can start rebuilding.'

'Will you be our Queen, Esme?' One of the townspeople asked.

'I'm sorry, I don't have the skills or resources to be your queen. But Darcey here runs the kingdom we came from. She's not a princess or anything, but her father is the Mayor. I can't make any promises, but perhaps we can join forces with Malefica while you rebuild?'

'My father will do what he can to help you. We can't promise anything like merging with our kingdom, because that's not my place to do that, but we can send people to help you rebuild houses at the very least so you have somewhere to stay,' Darcey explained.

The people of Maleficia started to hug each other and sigh in relief. The group hugged each other in victory.

'We did it, Gabriel!' Esme breathed.

'I know!'

They locked eyes with each other, and Gabriel pulled Esme in and kissed her. Esme was taken by surprise, but deep down, she was completely fizzing and just wanted to stay in the moment. Yet as soon as they pulled away, she had a sudden feeling of dread. She knew she'd messed up.