As The World Falls Down

Disclaimer: I own none of the main caracters. This story takes place somewhere between The Village Vanishes and The Revenge of Rumina (of course, first season). The city and the island are totally fictious. Don't know if they exist or if they do, where. I haven't read all the fanfic there is out there so this one is totally independant from the others. It's just a little daydreaming I had one day on the bus back home from work. So please, read it and tell me what you think. LBM.

Doubar was getting bored. It was his watch and so far, nothing. In fact, nothing was the word best fit to describe the past two weeks. Sea has been calm, cargo deliveries were on time, no sign of Rumina or anyone else for that matter. In short, the adventures of Sinbad and his crew have been pretty quiet.

The group was on its way to Kuriaon, the main city on the small island of Tieeriaon. The caliph of Bagdad had ask Sinbad to represent him to the ceremonial burial of the old king. Wishing to arrive during daylight, Sinbad has decided to set camp for the night in the woods near Kuriaon.

Doubar took a look at his brother and friends, wondering what would have happened to them if things had been different. "Not that I don't care for Master Dim-Dim. But if he hadn't been taken away from us, this crew might not have bonded as it did." he thought. Then, with a small grinning smile, he added: "Especially between Sinbad and Maeve…"

He turned his attention to the Celtic woman. More than once, Doubar had wish his little brother would finally find the courage to tell her about his feelings. But, as strange as it may sound, the fearless captain who fought evil monsters with all the strenght he had, seemed to lack the guts when it comes to the lovely sorceress. Doubar had always had a soft spot for this one, ever since she joined the crew. Feeling already protective toward his little brother, Doubar naturally extended this feeling to the young woman and wished to be to her the big brother she seemed to miss. Maeve never told him about having a big brother but somehow, Doubar knew she had one and that she was missing him.

Right now, Maeve's sleep seemed to be disturbing. For the past few days Doubar had noticed she didn't sleep easly, turning and moaning all night long. He had tried to get her to tell him about her nightmares but every time the fiercy sorceress brushed him away quite hard. So Doubar decided to let it go. "Maeve isn't the kind of person to share her feelings and personnal thoughts easily", he tought.

As he was thinking, Sinbad started to moan too and soon, the two of them were struggling in their sleep. Doubar tried to wake them up, worried. It wasn't like his little brother to have a restless sleep...

**************

All around her, the too familiar mists started to form.

"No", Maeve tought, "not again..." For the past few days, she had had the same dream where she fought an invisible oponent. But this dream was strange, it wasn't really a dream. More like magic she would say. Altought she was sleeping, Maeve was very well aware of her surroundings. The high ceilings were as dark as they were the last time she "was" here. And the walls, as damp as she remembered. But this time, her oponent wasn't waiting for her. He wasn't just a shadow or a faceless ghost. He was turning his back to her, as if he was trying to figure out where he was. And for the first time, he had features she could identify easily:

"SINBAD!", she yelled.

Sinbad turned around to face her.

"Sinbad, what are you doing in my dream?" asked Maeve running to him. Suddenly, she stopped. No, he couldn't be Sinbad. The face was the same but the eyes... so much hatred in them. "His beautiful eyes never show that, not even when he is fighting evil." she touhgt. Still, she knew it was him. "If look could kill, I would be dead right now!"

"And you will be!" Sinbad answered outloud, grinning. Maeve couldn't believe it. "Sinbad, how come you can read my mind???"

Without answering her question, Sinbad approached her slowy, drawing his sword.

"No!" shouted Maeve. The nightmare was starting all over again. "I will not fight you! Sinbad, it's me, Maeve. Can't you see that magic is at work here?"

Laughing evily, the young captain kept on approaching her. He was so close to her now that she could feel his breath on her face. Maeve didn't have a choice: she drew her sword.

"So, the little girl wants to play with the big boys," said Sinbad. "Very well my sweet, let us play". And he brought his blade up, preparing to strike.

"No, I can't fight him!" thought Maeve."This dream is getting worse all the time. I'm tired of always fighting, always defending myself for nothing, for a dream. I can't do it anymore."

So Maeve didn't raise her sword. "Sinbad, please" she begged with all her love she had for him. And for a moment, her voice seemed to reach the true Sinbad. Confusion appeared in his eyes, but it didn't last. With anger, he dropped his arm, striking furiously at her left side...

**************

They both awoke screaming, scarring the life out of Doubar and waking up the others.

"What is going on?" asked Firouz.

"Litlle brother, Maeve, are you alright?", asked at the same time Doubar.

Sinbad and Maeve didn't reply. The were staring at each other, knowing immediately that they had the same nightmare. Sinbad raised a hand to pushed away a lock of his hair that was falling in his eyes. But his hand was not empty, he was holding his sword; his BLOOD covered sword. Gasping, he looked back at the young woman. Staring back at him with horror, Maeve passed her hand at her left side. When she brought it up, it was also covered with blood...

* * * * *

"Sinbad, what have you done???" asked Doubar, rushing over to where Maeve stood. Firouz was already at her side.

"Rongar, get some water, quick!" shouted Firouz. "Doubar, help me get her comfortable. Careful now," he added as the two men laid her on the back.

Stunned, Sinbad got up. He watched his friends take care of Maeve in disbelieve. "This can't be happening," he tought. Realizing he was still holding his sword, he dropped it as if it was burning his hand. Slowly, he stepped back, holding his head in his hands.

The Moor got back from the river near by. He gave it to the physician.

"Maeve, do you feel any pain?" asked Firouz.

Still in shock, the young woman could only shake her head.

"Okay," replied Firouz. "I'll take a look. This might hurt."

"Common Rongar, let's give them a little privacy" said Doubar. The two of them approached Sinbad who was still watching Firouz treating Maeve, holding his head in his hands. Doubar touched his brother's shoulder to get his attention.

"Sinbad," he said softly, "how could this have happened? I was watching the two of you. I even tried to wake you both up. You never took your sword out."

Sinbad didn't answered. All he could think was that he was responsible for what hapenned to Maeve, the one woman he would never, never hurt.

"Rongar, come here!" yelled Firouz.

Rongar went at once. Sinbad wanted to follow him but Doubar stopped him. "Trust our friend, little brother. If any of us can help Maeve right now, it's Firouz." Sinbad nodded. But when he saw Firouz rise slowly, shaking his head, his heart skipped a beat. "No..."

As Firouz came to them, Rongar helped Maeve to her feet. Sinbad sighed in relief. Supporting the sorceress, Rongar led her to the river.

"Firouz?" asked Doubar with concern.

"I... I can't explain it. Altough there was a lot of blood, I couldn't find any wound at all," answered Firouz.

* * * * *

Sinbad emerged from the trance-like state he had been since he awoke: "What?"

"As I said," replied Firouz patiently, "I couldn't find any wound at all. Nothing more than a little red scar."

Doubar shooked his head. "That can't be. Firouz, are you sure you checked her thouroughly?"

Firouz looked at them with impatience: "I did, Doubar. I'm as mystified as you are."

Sinbad looked at the point where Rongar and Meave disapeared from their sight. "I don't understand, I striked at her with all my strenght..." he wispered.

Doubar and Firouz starred at him, "What?" they both asked at the same time.

"In our dream, I striked her..." he replied thoughfully.

"Little brother, what are you talking about for Allah's sake?"

The young captain didn't answered. He was still concerned about the red-head sorceress. "Where did Rongar take her?" he asked Firouz.

"To the river, she said she wanted to clean herself a bit."

*******************

Along the river side, Maeve was trying to get rid of the blood. She felt dirty, betrayed. And ashamed. She knew she could have defended herself against Sinbad, at least for a while. But she tought it was only another dream, that nothing would come out of it. And because of her, the man she loved was now blaming himself. And for what? No wound, not even a scracht. She felt guilty for the pain it caused him. She wished she could tell him that, but as always when it comes to telling Sinbad about how she felt, her tongue was tied up. "Not yet," she told herself, "I still have to save Dermott. I must concentrate only on my quest. There will always be some other time to tell him, after I get Dermott back."

Discreetely, Rongar was keeping an eye on her. Somehow, even though he didn't posessed any magic at all, he could feel that something evil was at work here. He didn't know what but he would not let it get her or any of his friends. They had always been there for him and so would he.

*************************

Dermott was perched on a tree near the camp. He could feel Sinbad's guilt and was sorry he couldn't offer the captain any comfort. *At least I know my little sister isn't hurt. But what will happen next?...* The hawk turned his attention to the three men.

"Sinbad, tell me more about that dream you mentionned," asked Firouz. "Maybe I'll be able to figure out what happened."

And so did Sinbad, but before he was done, Maeve and Rongar came back. The three men got up, worried.

"So lass, how do you feel?"

Maeve smiled. "A little better. What a wake-up call!" she added, hopping to cheer her friends, especially Sinbad.

It didn't work.

Sinbad got closer to her. "Maeve, I..." he started.

"I know Sinbad, I know." Maeve smiled at him weakly. "It was as much my fault as yours. Maybe it was me who dragged you into my nightmare." she added.

"How?" asked Firouz.

Maeve turned to the physician. "I don't know, but what I do know is that I want to get out of these woods as soon as possible. I feel evil at work here."

Sinbad didn't agree. "I don't think it would be wise for you to.."

"SINBAD I'M FINE" cut Maeve. "Now let's get out of here."

Doubar laughed, "Well, you certainly sound fine enough for me..."

**************************

The group didn't reach the end of the woods before sunset. And, uneasy at it made them feel, they had no other choice than to spend another night in the forest. They set up camp and Sinbad, who didn't want the events of last night to repeat themselves, took the first watch.

Everything was going smoothly when, suddenly, Maeve started to struggle in her sleep...Sinbad rushed over to wake her up before anything could happen.

***************************

Once again, the mists started to wrap themselves around her. "I WON'T LET YOU GET ME THIS TIME!!!" Maeve shouted at the man form in front of her. "I don't know who you are but I'm prepared for you!"

"Oh, but you do know me," answer the man, approaching. And once again, he had Sinbad's features. But this time, he wasn't carrying a sword. In Sinbad's hand was a very big axe. He swung it toward Maeve...

****************************

Sinbad called his friends for help. Together, they tried to wake her up but nothing worked. Then, Maeve's upper arm started to bleed....

* * * * *

On the other side of the island, a dark haired woman was watching in a well. "Even better than I expected," she tought. "Now, if I play it well, I'll get rid of her once and for all..."

******************************

"MAEVE' WAKE UP!" shouted Sinbad in her ear and shaking her. "PLEASE! WAKE UP!!"

Doubar and Rongar sat her up, hoping this would help to snap up out of her nightmare before things got worse. Having ripped her sleeve, Firouz was already taking care of the wound. Suddenly, Maeve opened her eyes. Seeing Sinbad's face so close to her, she kicked at him in defense. Sinbad eyes opened wide as he received the hit in the stomach.

"Whhoaa! Maeve, it's okay," said Doubar, trying to calm her down. "It's us!"

The sorceress looked around her, not quite sure.

"It's alright now," Doubar added, stroking her hair. "Another nightmare, huh?"

Maeve started to relax, "Yeah," she answered. Noticing Firouz, she asked, "Nothing?"

Firouz looked at the others, confused. "Nothing but blood," he answered, turning back to Maeve.

Sinbad shook his head. "That's twice. Somebody better give me an explanation soon or.."

Firouz got up and started to pace as Doubar and Rongar helped the young woman up.

"I can't explain it," said the physician. "This is way beyong science. I don't like to admit it but I'm as puzzled as you all are. Meave," he asked, "do you understand any of this? Could this have something to do with magic?"

Before she could answered, Dermott swooped in. Maeve put on her glove and extended her arm for him. "Chwirp?"

Maeve looked at the hawk, surprised. "Dermott?"

"Chwirp?" did Dermott, insisting. *Little sister, can't you understand me any more?*

Without a word, Maeve sat down. She looked again at Dermott, her eyes filled with tears.

"Maeve, what's wrong?" asked Sinbad, concerned.

She didn't looked at her friends. Closing her eyes, she tried to communicate with her brother. Nothing...

"No..."she thought. "Please, don't make me loose him again." she pleaded silently.

Not sure of what was going on, the four men stared at her as Dermott cuddle himself up in her neck.

* * * * *

Slowly, the sun came up. Doubar was having a little private talk with Sinbad and Firouz. As for Rongar, he was trying to comfort Maeve. Dermott was nearby, looking depressed even for a bird.

"Sinbad," said Doubar on a low tone of voice. "We have to get out of these woods and fast."

Firouz shooked his head. "But what about the funerals?"

Sinbad left his head and saw Maeve's red eyes. "No," he replied, "Doubar's right. If we don't, there's no telling of what could happen to her next." And, he added to himself, I don't care about what would say the Caliph.

Rongar couldn't help but feeling helpless. There was so many things he wanted to tell the sorceress to cheer her up... He put his hands on her arm. Maeve raised her head and smiled at him sadly. Normally, she would "feel" her friend's thoughts but now, she was as mind-deaf as he was mute. Tears started to fill her eyes once again. Everything was so "quiet", it was scary.

"No," she told herself. "I will not be defeated without a fight." She stood up, drawing on her the four men's attention. She walked to the fire remains. She added a few branches then extended her hand over it. Nothing... Frowning, she tried to get it to burn again. Still nothing.

"Maeve?" asked Sinbad and Doubar.

"SILENCE WITH YOU ALL!" she shouted, angry. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath than started an incantation:

"The sun is high, but the earth is cold
Fire Spirit grant my wish
Light up these remains not for gold
But for peace then dismiss."

As the branches remained the same, Maeve recited the incantation again, this time yelling at the sky. But it didn't work. Out of frustation, she walked away.

Sinbad and the others finally understood. Grabbing their belongings, they followed her.

"Lass," said Doubar. "Wait for us."

Maeve didn't slow down. She had to get out of these woods. Dermott flew ahead of the group.

********************

They had been walking for hours now but still, the woods looked the same has they were looking this morning. Firouz told his friends that it was possible they'd be circling around.

"OH! That's ridiculous Firouz," replied Doubar. "And why would we be doing that. We're not children anymore and this is not the first time we are in a strange forest," he added.

"Maybe, but then why would we be back at our camp site?" asked Firouz as they came to an opening in the trail. The group stopped, too stunned to say anything. They were back at last night camp site alright.

"Crew, I'm open to any suggestion here," finally said Sinbad. None of them answered back. All eyes were focused on Maeve as if they were hoping she would know what was going on. But Maeve was as silent as she had been since her magic failed this morning, despite all Sinbad's attempts to get her to talk about it.

"Maeve," asked Sinbad, "I guess it's fair to say that magic is at work here, right?"

Maeve looked at him blankly. "I don't know anymore," she replied. "I don't feel anything, anything!"

Firouz interrupted her, "Let's try to reason here. First, Maeve had these nightmares."

Doubar nodded. "You haven't told us but I know you did Maeve, no need to deny it now."

Maeve sighed. "Yes, I had nightmares." And she told them all about it.

"Then, you and Sinbad had the same nightmare at exactly the same time, right?" continued Firouz.

Sinbad showed his impatience. "I already told you that."

Firouz raised his hand to calm him down. "I know, I know. Just thinking outloud. Now, last night, Maeve had the same nightmare as the one you both had but this time, you were awake Sinbad."

"Is this getting anywhere Firouz?" asked Doubar. Rongar looked at the physician in a way that expressed he was agreeing with Doubar.

"In a minute. And now, your powers are gone Maeve."

Maeve stared at him with anger. She needed not to be reminded that.

Sinbad cut in, "Firouz, that doesn't explain what have hapenned to her nor why we are back here."

"Well, as I see things, either it is Maeve who is under a spell, either it's all of us. But since she's the one who's getting 'hurt' if I may say so, then this spell is probably directed toward her. Now, all we have to do is find out who did it." concluded Firouz.

The others looked at him as if he had grown an extra head. "And how exactly do we do that?" asked Doubar.

"And how do we prevent anything else to happen to Maeve?" asked Sinbad, looking at the red-head sorceress with concern.

Rongar motionned to show them that whatever they'd do, they'd still be trapped in the forest. Firouz snapped his fingers. "I haven't figured that out yet," he said. "but I'm working on it."

************************

On the other side of the island, the dark haired woman was laughing in derision. "Work as hard as you want, tonight it will be too late for her and Sinbad will be mine!"

*************************

* * * * *

As the group was discussing, Dermott looked to the skies. "I don't like this at all" the bird thought. "If only I could warn them. Oh little sister, why are you so stubborn?..."

******************

Up somewhere in the skies, the Lady heard Dermott's silent prayer. She knew there was little she could do to help the young sorceress but if she didn't try something and should evil reign supreme once more, there was no hope for humanity...

******************

"But all I'm saying is that instead of circling around like caged animals, we should stay here and prepare ourselves some kind of defense system."

"What you are suggesting is for us to use Maeve as a bait!" shouted Sinbad at Firouz. The young captain was facing his friend, his face twisted by anger and concern for the young woman. Rongar stepped between the two men to prevent the fight that was about to start. Standing close to Maeve, Doubar tried to reason them.

"If you two keep arguing like that, we'll get no where" he said. "Now Firouz, something's not clear with your logic. First, Meave dreamed of a faceless man. Then Sinbad and her dreamed that it was Sinbad. If what Maeve said this morning is true, that she did indead bring Sinbad with her in her nightmare, then why her oponent still had his face the third time?"

Maeve turned to him. "You're right! This doesn't make sense. If who ever conjured up that spell wanted to use him to get to me through my sleep, he would have needed for Sinbad to be asleep as well. That's the basic of the spell, Dim-Dim taught me that."

Sinbad sat down, confused. They had a point there. Not that he knew anything about magic but he trusted Maeve as much as he trusted Master Dim-Dim. Maybe it was him, maybe deep down he truly wanted to hurt Maeve. But why, why would he want to do such a thing. He wasn't sure of his feelings for her, it was all too complicated to face. So he never cleared this thing in his head. But still, could it be possible that he was responsible for what happened to her?

Doubar felt his brother despair. "Sinbad," he said as he sat down beside his brother, "no one is accusing you of anything here. We're just trying to understand this mess."

Maeve looked at Sinbad. Cursing her power lost that prevented her to feel his pain too, she kneeled in front of him. "Listen, I trust you. I always have and always will," she said. Sinbad lifted his head and their eyes met. And he knew she was speaking the truth.

"But do I trust myself?"' he asked himself, silently.

******************

Shortly after, Firouz started to built some kind of device that would, he hoped, help them to protect Maeve should anything... No, he didn't want to think about that. All he had to do was to find a way to monitor her sleep so they would know exactly when she was about to enter the mists she described. But so far, the inventor hadn't had a clue of what could do the trick. Along with Rongar, he was still trying to get it done but he just couldn't get it right. Maybe if they'd...

*******************

Doubar and Sinbad were on cooking duty. Doubar knew his brother was still feeling responsible for all of this but nothing he had tried could reason him. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Maeve talking to Dermott with tears in her eyes. He felt sorry for her. Not only has she had to fight the one she loved (Doubar just knew she did love Sinbad althgough she would not admit it to herself) but loosing her powers and that special bond between Dermott and her... "Poor girl," he though, shaking his head. As he was about to get back to the cooking, he saw Maeve's head lifting up suddenly, her eyes widened in scare.

"No!!!" she shouted. As she did, she fell on the ground as if she had been trown. Doubar ran to her, Sinbad following close by.

"Firouz! Rongar!," Sinbad shouted. When Doubar and him reached her, Maeve was defending herself against an invisible attacker, trying to protect herself as best as she could. But the invisible hits kept coming, bouncing her from left to right. "STOP! PLEASE, IT'S ME, MAEVE!" she begged in a short breath. Her friends tried their best to defeat what or who ever was beating her. But how do you fight something you can't see?

Then Doubar saw the look on Maeve's face and realized she could see her assailant. "Lass", he told her, "where is he? You gotta help us Maeve." But a violent hit in the stomach sent her backward before she had the chance to reply.

***********************

Up in the skies, the earth was continuing its course as it always do. But this time, it would block its guardian angel from the radiant rays of the sun...

***********************

"This is insane, there is no way we can beat that thing!" shouted Firouz as his sword pass through thin air without any resistance whatsoever.

"We have to!" shouted back Sinbad. "Keep trying crew." He knew Maeve was approaching the breaking point. Her lovely face was all bruised and her legs would not support her any longer. In a fury, he slashed the air with his sword.

Finally, it was Rongar who managed to stop the assault. The Moor grabbed Maeve's legs and trew her on the ground. As she fell, she left out a cry. Then everything went silent. The crew knew the invisible assailant was gone, but for how long? Rongar helped Maeve to sit up.

"Maeve, are you alright?" asked Sinbad, approaching her.

Her eyes rolled back in terror. "STAY AWAY FROM ME!" she screamed at him. Then, seeing the pain on Sinbad's face, she broke down in tears.

Instantly, Sinbad was at her side. He took her in his arms, rocking her slowly. "It's okay" he wispered as she rested her head on his chest. "We'll get you out of this, I promise", he added, stroking her hair gently.

* * * * *

It took a while for Maeve to calm herself down. And it was not only from the assault but from everything else. All sort of thoughts ran through her mind, and the events of the past few days brought them up. "All my life I've taken people and things for granted. First Dermott, then my parents, Master Dim-Dim and now, my own life," she thought. "Even my powers ever since I started to learn to control them. And now, everything is taking away from me one after the other." She heard Sinbad's words, felt the warmth of his embrace and suddenly, she realized she had been taking him for granted too. Maybe she could tell this one how she felt toward him before it was too late. She lifted her head to do so but then, the darkness fell upon her...

***********************

In the cave, Rumina was getting ready for what was to come. Singing softly, she couldn't help feeling a little upset. What if it wasn't true? After all, it wouldn't be the first time that these old tricks wouldn't work. She remember her father telling her about all this. She was young, hungry for power and... men. Now, she wished she had paid more attention back then. "I promise you daddy, that young peasant wench will be Dim-Dim's greatest failure. And as for Sinbad..."

**********************

"MAEVE!", shouted as he felt Maeve's body suddenly collapse in his arms. Gently, he pulled her against him, holding on to her. Firouz came running.

"Sinbad, let me take a look at her." As Sinbad let Firouz do so, he noticed some blue mist starting to form near them. Instantly, his sword was in his hands. Doubard and Rongar did the same. "Whatever or whoever this is, this time it won't get away," thought Sinbad.

"You need not to fear me Sinbad," said the mist. "I'm here to help you all."

"What are you?" he asked, suspicious.

The mist started to dismiss, revealing an extraordinary beautiful young woman. She had long hair so blond they were almost white. All dressed in white, she didn't seem to be standing on the ground but floating above it. She looked over to Maeve then smile.

"Don't worry about your friend, captain. She's only in a deep trance that looks as though she is dead."

Firouz nodded. "She's alive Sinbad."

Sinbad turned his attention toward the Lady. "Did you do this to her?" he asked, menacing.

She gave him a warm smile. "Yes, she was about to change the course of history. Don't worry, no harm will come out of this."

"What are you talking about, woman?" asked Doubar on a rough tone of voice.

The Lady approach them slowly. "I can't reveal that much but you must understand. If Maeve doens't survive this night, it's all humanity who will suffer. Not just you."

All men stared at her. If Maeve doesn't survived? Sinbad didn't even want to think about that possibility, nor any of his friends did. He noticed he could almost see through the Lady.

"Who are you?", he asked her again.

"I am Maeve's patroness. Maybe you haven't heard of me but my name is Selene."

"The greek Goddess of the full moon!," added Firouz, surprised.

The Lady smiled at him, "You are correct my scientific friend," she told him.

"The Goddess of the full moon is the patroness of all who possesses the gift of magic." explained Firouz to the others. "I always thought you were a myth, a legend." he added.

"As you can see I am not. But you did not specified that I only look after those who are using their gift for a better end. I have been watching over Maeve and her... family for a very long time now, even before she was Maeve."

That last line echoed something in Sinbad's mind. Something Dim-Dim has once told him: "I knew you even before you created yourself Sinbad." He lowered his sword.

"If you are Maeve's patroness, then why didn't you help her these last few days?" he asked.

The Lady turned toward where Maeve was lying. "I couldn't. I wanted to but my powers are slowly fading. Soon, they will be gone, just as Maeve's have." she said sadly.

"How can that be?" asked Doubar.

Without looking at them, Selene explained the whole story. They all listened, understanding more about the magical world but fearing more and more for Maeve's safety.

"I am the Goddess of the full moon. As such, I rule over the magical world as well as I keep watch on the destiny of humanity. I am the Guardian of Good but somehow, in the long centuries that followed the golden age of Greece, my name became a hatred one. People started to associate me with witches, with those who misused their gift. They were confusing me with my sister, the Goddess of the dark moon, Hecate. She is the one that inspired those evil enough to wish for the destruction of Earth. Not me. Maeve heard those false allegations against me and.. she beleived in them. Untill she met Dim-dim, she refused to have anything to do with what was righfully hers. And even now, she doesn't want to be link to me and the witches."

"But what about those nightmares?" asked Sinbad.

"Every once in a while, the Earth moves in the skies to shield the Moon from the sun's rays. This lasts a few days, untill the lunar eclipse is total. When this happened, I have no longer the power to monitor the evil in this world. I loose my power for a brief period of time, as do all under my protection. They become weak, helpless against any magical attack. This is when the evil forces have the chance to tip the balance of nature, to acheive their goals."

"Ultimate destruction of goodness. Creation of Chaos!", exclaimed Firouz.

The Lady nodded. "Meave's nightmares are the application of this theory. Someone discovered what she represented for the future of this world and she is trying to prevent this from happening."

"Rumina!" said at the same time Sinbad, Doubar and Firouz.

"We should have guessed that she-devil was behind all this," added Doubard.

Sinbad nodded. It was so evident, now that they think of it. Who else but Rumina. He never figured out exaclty what had happened between her and Maeve but one thing for sure, she wanted to get rid of Maeve.

"You said something about Maeve's importance for the sake of humanity", he said thoughfully. "What did you mean by that?"

The Goddess looked at him and sadness filled her eyes. If she told him the truth, then it would be her who would change the course of history. "They have to find their way on their own," she told herself. "But if I don't tell them, tell him now, then this future might never happen." Taking a deep breath, she made her decision. They had the right to know, to fight for their future...

* * * * *

The sun started to fade in the west as night was about to rise in the sky. There was little time left to explain.

She looked at Maeve who was still unconcious then turned to the men. "This world is made from goodness and darkness. As much as I hate to admit it, both sides need one another in order to keep the balance of nature. The good side of this world is divided in 7 tides. Each of them are the fundamental basis of goodness: caring, sharing, helping, trust, love, honesty and truth. The same principle applies to the forces of darkness. Just like the sea needs the moon to create the tide, each tides of goodness or darkness needs to have two poles. And if either one of these poles in a tide of Goodness is killed by its opposite pole from the Darkness, then the balance is no longer. This is when evil has a chance to win over good... forever."

She looked right into Sinbad's eyes. "You and Maeve are the two poles of love." she said.

In Sinbad's head, images started to spin. Was it how he felt about her? Was it love? He remembered the first time he met her on the Island of Dawn, the insistance of Dim-Dim to bring her along, how desperate he felt when Vincenzo turned her into a statue, his concern for her every time they encountered Rumina, their one and only kiss... Then, he finally faced the truth: he loved her, he always has. Even before this lifetime. Since the dawn of humanity, they have always been together, keeping love a sacred temple for all to find their soulmates.

"I know", he simply said. "I remember."

Doubar and the others were speechless. Of course they always suspected that their captain had feelings for their sorceress-friend. But this tide thing?

The Goddess smile at them. "I should not have awaken these memories. Dim-Dim wanted the two of you to discover it on your own, to re-live your romance again and again as the first one. Like the sea is attracted by the moon, you are drawn to Maeve. You are the sea and she is your moon. You see Sinbad, you too have a patroness. Someday, you will meet her. Untill you do, all you have to know is that not only the two of you are the two poles of love, but are also the primary tide. Without love, nothing can exist. You must stop Rumina before it is too late."

Recovering his voice as he started to understand, Doubar approached his brother. "It's your call Sinbad. Whatever you decide to do little brother, we'll go along." The other agreed with him.

Sinbad met his brother's eyes. In all their lives before this one, he had always been at his side. So had Firouz and Rongar. As he looked at them, he realized they remembered as well. "We've always been a team," he told them. "And as a team, we'll get through this."

Selene sighed in relief. It hadn't been as hard as she thought. For a moment, she was worried they would fight their past lives memories as so many do. But the harder part was still to come.

"You must hurry," she urged them as the sky drew darker. "You have to bring Maeve to that place she dreamed of. Only there do you stand a chance to defeat Rumina's plan."

Firouz started to pace around. "But how can we do that when we've been circling around in these woods all day?"

Selene extended her arm. Dermott left Maeve's side and landed on it. "Dermott will be your guide," she said as she pet him.

*Thank you My Lady* said the bird through mind-talk. *Thank you for breaking the oath you've made.*

*I had no choice my friend,* she answered in the same way. *Let's just hope it's for the best.*

"I'm sorry to interrupt your silent conversation with Dermott, My Lady," said Sinbad, "but even if we do find this place, how could Maeve defeat Rumina if she doesn't have her powers?"

*He doesn't remember everything,* said Dermott.

*I know, but together they will*

Before she had the chance to reply to Sinbad's question, she started to vanish. "My powers are weakening," she told them. Then, just before she completely disapeared, she added, "Remember Sinbad, everything has its purpose..."

And the Goddess of the full moon was gone....

* * * * *

As the sun set, the animals in the woods began to spread out. They knew what was going on and they didn't want to be caught in the middle of it. Maybe once these crazy human beings are done with their stupid war over Mother Earth, then yes, maybe, will the animals be able to live quietly. Dermott felt his "brother animals" thoughts. He wanted to tell them, to warn them about what would happen to Mother Earth if Evil was to win over Good. He wanted to reassure them, to show them that some of these human beings weren't that bad, to tell them he too was once one of them. But there was no time. Just as soon as the Goddess Selene had vanished, his sister had awaken and right now, Sinbad was at her side. Just like the others, Dermott felt Sinbad's need to have a few minutes alone with Maeve...

"I don't want to hear anything about this Sinbad," said Maeve, getting up as she spoke.

Sinbad took her arm and forced her to sit back. "You have to!"

"Let go of me!!" she yelled back at him.

There was only one way for him to shut her up, to make her remember. He leaned close to her and kissed her with all the passion they had shared over and over in their lifetimes. Surprised at first, Maeve returned his kiss. Sinbad's bracelet started suddenly to glow. A green light started to wrap the two of them and as it did, images from a distant past made their way into Maeve's mind. Joy and pain, love and fear rushed through her as it all began to make sense to her. She pushed herself away from Sinbad's embrace.

"Dear Lord, what have I done?" she asked him.

"Huh?"

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't answered. All those years she has spent thinking only about what she wanted, about getting her revenge on Rumina.... She never imagined that it went deeper than what she had done to Dermott. If she had, she wouldn't have been so...so...stubborn! She got up quickly, too quickly for her head started to spin.

"Easy," Sinbad said as he helped her regain her balance. "You've had a rough time."

She looked at him, realizing she never told him. "Sinbad, I..." she began to say.

Kissing her lips soflty, Sinbad cut her off. "I know."

"No, I have to tell you. I never told... someone how much I cared until it was too late." Then, looking right into his eyes, she added: "I love you Sinbad."

Sinbad took her lovely face in his hands. "I love you Maeve. I always have and I always will. We are but one soul you and I. And that is why I swear that no matter what happens

tonight, we will get through this. Together."

************************

Firouz was pacing, not wanting to think about all of this. Rongar saw the concern on his friend's face and pointed it out to Doubar.

"Firouz, will you stop and tell us what's wrong," asked Doubar as he was gattering the few things they would need later on.

The scientist sighed. "Well... I just... it's hard to acknowledge something that's against every scientific fact you've always known."

"What?"

"Those previous lives, those tides, everything!" Firouz replied.

Doubar put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You know Firouz, we too find it hard to believe, Rongar and I."

Rongar nodded.

"But still," continued Doubar ,"You can't deny the fact that so far, nothing ever made sense in the magical world we live in."

"Aye, I agree."

Doubar smiled. "Good, now lets get ready to give that wicked woman a lesson she won't forget soon!" he added, laughing

Sinbad and Maeve joined them. "So, are we ready to go?" asked Sinbad.

"Aye little brother. 'You okay Maeve?"

Maeve gave him a hug. "I'm fine Doubar."

Dermott flew in, chirping. She put on her glove and extended her arm. *Oh Dermott, what will I do?*

*Trust yourself little sister. And your friends.*

But Maeve didn't hear him. So he flew ahead, hoping he was not leading them to their doom...

* * * * *

They almost had to run in order to follow Dermott. Lost in her thoughts, Maeve was wondering what she would do when she'll be face to face with Rumina... Before, she had her powers and never really got a good shot at the black sorceress...but now, what chance does she stand?

"I don't want to think about all of this now," thought Maeve. "No matter what happens, I have to keep Sinbad and the others safe...This is between you and I, Rumina, and I will be ready for you."

The crew stopped running.

"Does anyone see Dermott?," ask Sinbad, looking all around him. There was no sign of the hawk.

"Ah, little brother?" started Doubar. Sinbad turned to his brother. And then he saw where Dermott was : perched on a rock, he was looking far away in front of them. The crew followed the bird's gaze and realized they had reached a clairing in the woods. Right there was standing an old tower, all grey and dark with high windows and only one door.

"Maeve?" ask Firouz.

"Yes Firouz, this is it... Altought I never saw it from outside, I just know this is the place where my nightmares started," she replied.

"And this is where they will end too," added Sinbad, drawing his sword and heading toward the building.

Making a sudden decision, Maeve stopped him. "No, I have to do this alone."

The four men were stunned. There was no way they would let her go in there by herself.

"Now lass," said Doubar. "We are not letting you go in there alone. Period!"

The others nodded. Sinbad was glad that they all shared his concern for what wa to come. But Maeve didn't want to hear any of it.

"NO! I won't let you risk your lives for what is only between Rumina and I. Don't you understand, she has planned for you to come with me. If I go alone, I have a chance to get her by surprise..." she said.

And to herself, she added, "And she won't use you against your will..."

The men thought about what she had just said. In a way, it made sense. But still, they didn't like it.

""Chiiirppp!" Dermott came swooping in. The sun has set down a while ago and now, the night was as dark as could be a night with no moon. *Sister, don't do this! You must bring them with you or all will be lost!!*

Sinbad stood close to Maeve. "Are you SURE you can do this on your own? I am not letting you in before I know for sure that you can."

Maeve looked at her longtime lover. She took his face in her hands. "I will be fine, I know how to defeat Rumina. Trust me on this one, my love."

Sinbad looked deep down into her eyes, as if he wanted to search into her soul if she was telling the thruth. Meave mentally crossed her fingers.

*Sister, how can you!* said Dermott, even though he knew Maeve couldn't hear him.

Doubar too felt that Maeve wasn't being honest with them. "Sinbad, we can't let her go alone!" he told his brother. Rongar and Firouz agreed.

Still looking into Maeve's eyes, Sinbad shooked his head. "No, we have to. She is right." He kissed her softly. "Be careful!"

Maeve let out a silent sigh of relief. "Aye Captain," she said so softly, they could barely hear her.

*****************

Maeve entered the tower with a solid pace. But as soon as she knew her friends could not see her anymore, she slowed down. "I still have no clue on how I will defeat Rumina..." she thought. Cursing herself, she headed toward the central room where she knew she would fine the wicked woman.

******************

As soon as Maeve entered the tower, Doubar turned angrily at his brother. "Sinbad! I can't beleive you are letting her go alone!!! You know she doesn't have her powers anymore, Rumina will have no mercy on her this time!!!"

Sinbad smiled at his crew. "And who said I was letting her go alone after all?" The men bursted in laughter. But suddenly, another laugh joined theirs. A well-known laugh.

"I see we are having fun, now aren't we?" said Rumina as she appeared. "Well since you are so reluctant to let your beloved peasant wench go by herself, why don't you join her, dearest?" And she vanished, taking Sinbad with her.

**********************

As Maeve finally reached the room, she couldn't help but shiver. It was just like in her nightmare only this time, it was the real thing. She ran her hand onthe wall, trying to feel the room's personnality. But there was nothing, just some cold walls. Usually, when she does that, she would feel all the emotions that has been lived in a room. But here, there was nothing. It was as cold as death itself.

"Yes my dear, your death!" said Rumina.

Maeve spun around to face her. The black sorceress was alone. "Well Rumina, looks like you've got what you wanted. Why not finish it once and for all?"

Rumina's eyes grew brighter. "That's exactly what I had in mind..."

***********************

"SINBAD!!!" yelled Doubar and Firouz.

Doubar rush toward the tower's door. "I don't like it!" he said. Following him, Firouz and Rongar exchanged a significant look.

"Letting Maeve go in alone was big a mistake enough, but now..." started Firouz.

"I know, I know!" replied Doubar, heading toward the central room.

*************************

The two women were facing each other. Maeve tooked out her sword.

"Now, do you really think this little play toy will be of any use against me?" asked sarcasticly Rumina. "Aren't you going to use your powers instead? Oh, that's right! You don't have any tonight!" she added, laughing.

Maeve's eyes sparkled with anger. "What's your point Rumina? Too afraid to do it right away? Afraid I might have my powers after all?"

Out of rage, Rumina threw a magickal bolt at Maeve, sending her to crash on the wall behind her. "Now who's afraid?" she ask the red-head sorceress.

Trying to get up, Maeve dropped her sword and extended her hands. But nothing happened.

Laughing evily, Rumina waved her hand. At the far end of the room, Sinbad appeared, holding his sword and his eyes flashing with hate.

"NOOO!" shouted Maeve. "How dare you? How dare you use him to do your dirty work?"

Rumina walked to Sinbad. Passing her hand on his face, she kissed him. "Now now, dear Maeve. Don't worry, I'll take good care of him," she said, stepping out of Sinbad's way. The captain headed toward his beloved, his sword up and ready to strike. Maeve stepped back, not wanting her nightmares to come true.

"Why my dear, you don't want to kiss him goodbye?" asked Rumina.

Maeve looked at Sinbad in despair. There was nothing she could do, her nightmare was becoming reality.

"Sinbad, snap out of it!" she begged weakly.

Rumina's laugh grew louder. "How pathetic! Kill her my love, then we shall rule this world together."

Under Rumina's spell, Sinbad nodded. He started to approach her more agressivly.

* * * * *

Just as Sinbad was about to strike Maeve, the rest of the crew rushed into the room.

"Sinbad!!! Stop!" shouted Doubar and Firouz. Sinbad spun around to face them. Still uncertain of what to do, Maeve turned her attention to the three men.

"Get out of here!" she urged them. Then, an idea made its way through her brain. "Don't you see it is all over? That all is lost?" she added sadly.

"But lass..." started Doubar.

"Maeve, you can't be serious, you can't give up now!" replied Firouz.

Rongar gave her a questionning look, Dermott resting on his forearm. At the other end of the room, Rumina started to laugh once more.

"Well, looks like you finally figured it out, you wench! Kill her, NOW!" she ordered Sinbad.

But deep inside his soul, Sinbad knew he had to resist it. He loved Maeve and he would never hurt her, never. But still, the comfortness of the spell, the warmth that wrapped him everytime Rumina spoke, everything was telling him to kill Maeve. For the better good of this world. *No* he told himself. *No, I cannot, I must not!*

Seeing in his eyes the battle Sinbad was fighting, Maeve's hope regained some strenght. *Maybe, if I can distract her a little, maybe he will break free from this spell." She faced the black sorceress.

"Tell me Rumina," she asked her, "why are you so eager to have him kill me? I thought you would want to keep that pleasure for yourself."

Rumina's eyes narrowed. "Trust me, nothing would give me more pleasure. But it has to be this way..."

As she spoke, her anger toward Maeve flared up. And for a brief moment, she lost her concentration on her spell. *Maeve!* cried silently Sinbad. *Maeve help me, I can't do this alone. I never had any powers.*

To the women's surprise, Maeve "heard" his thoughts. A victory smile appeared on her face as Rumina sweared and thighten her grip on Sinbad's mind. The others hold their breath, knowing something was about to happen.

*I heard him!* thought Maeve, excited to feel her powers coming back, even if they were still too weak for her to use them intentionnaly. *The eclipse is starting to fade... Maybe I can still defeat her...*

Still smilling, she looked straight into Rumina's eyes. "Now, why does it have to be that way? Surely you can come up with a better answer than that, now don't you?" Keeping an eye on Sinbad, she moved slightly toward her long time ennemy. Rumina's face twisted with hate. "You know why!"

Sinbad curled down in pain for Rumina's burst sent a powerful energy bolt through his brain. *Lady, please help us* he begged silently. But Selene wasn't there to help them and he knew it. *Everything has its purpose, they said...* started to think Sinbad. Then, his mind went blank again...

******************

Up in the skies, Lady Selene was keeping a close watch on the events, praying she didn't make the biggest mistake of the world's history... "If they don't find out soon, all will be lost... all will be lost"

*******************

"Well, Rumina, I never thought you were a believer," said Maeve on an ironic tone of voice. Rumina glanced at her, furious.

"So I was right, we all were right about this," continued Maeve. "You are after the primary tide, seeking to destroy it once and for all."

Doubar couldn't help but to stare at his friend in disbelief. "Maeve, what are you doing?"

Maeve ignored him. She ignored all of them. She needed to concentrate only on Rumina. She knew how to defeat her plan, how to save them all. And for that, she had to close her mind to her friends, to her love for them and for Sinbad.

"So? You think that by killing me, you will eradicate all goodness from the face of the Earth?" she asked. The dark haired woman kept on glancing at her. Maeve made another step toward her ennemy. By doing this, she also stepped closer to Sinbad, a stiff Sinbad waiting for his orders.

"How many time have you tried that before Rumina? Huh? Did it ever work?"

Rumina couldn't stand it anymore. "TONIGHT IT WILL WORK! ALL I HAVE TO DO IS TO GET..!" She stopped, realizing she had given herself away.

Mave laugh bitterly. "I know what you are up to Rumina. You don't need to stop on my account. If one pole of a tide of Goodness is killed by its opposite pole from Darkness, then the balance of this world will be forever changed... Untill a new tide of Goodness creates itself." Maeve's voice was so low, so different that it sounded as if it wasn't her talking.

"And you are one of the pole of hate, aren't you Rumina?" she continued. "And you think that by getting rid of me, you will get rid of love... What a fool you are!"

"You wench! Sinbad!.." started Rumina, raising her hand...

"NO! LET ME SAY WHAT I HAVE TO SAY! Then you can do whatever you want with me, it won't matter anymore." Curious to hear what Maeve had to say, Rumina dropped her hand.

"And you my dear," added Maeve, "you are one of the two poles of hate. Yes, I remember. But I also remember that unlike the tides of Goodness, you and you kind can't find your complementary pole, and that is what makes you weaker than us. All wrapped up in your disgusting feelings of lust, hate, envy and jealousy, you can't stand the fact that you need someone else to help you. You all think you are better than the next one and for that, you are and always will be alone."

Doubar, Firouz and Rongar were listening, fascinated. But they were also scared for they started to realize what Maeve was up to.

*Please sister, don't do this,* begged Dermott in silence.

But Maeve didn't pay attention to her brother's plea. She had to do it, no watter how painful this would be for them.

"The tides of Goodness, however," Maeve expalined, "will always be strong and united exactly because we do need each other. Because we have learned the value of life as part of a larger group, not as its leader."

"Are you done yet so we can finish this?" asked abruptly Rumina.

Maeve smile grew larger and her eyes started to glow brighter. "Almost. All I want to add is that I figured out why you won't kill me yourself."

Rumina crossed her arms on her chest. "Oh! And why's that?"

"Because, if a pole from a tide of Good kills its complementary pole, it will be forever lost to the Darkness!" concluded Maeve. "You want him to join you, you always wanted him and his powers!"

The two women stared at one another in silence. The tension was so high it could be feel by everyone present in the room.

"That was a good plan Rumina." said Maeve. "except for one minor detail: I will not let you destroy him, nor this world!!!!"

Rumina lifted her hand once more, setting Sinbad in motion again. When she saw that, Maeve knew the time as come. She threw herself on Sinbad's sword, feeling it percing her body.

"NOOOOOOO!" shouted Rumina in rage..

"MAEVE!!" cried the crew, running toward her.

"YOU FOOL!! YOU HAVE RUINED EVERYTHING!!!"

Maeve smiled weakly as she felt herself sliding to the floor. Suddenly, an intense green light started to form into Sinbad's bracelet and freed him from Rumina's spell.

"I told you Rumina," wispered Maeve, "I will never let you win over Goodness nor harm any of them."

Waving her hands and cursing her, Rumina vanished

Then she fell on the ground. Sinbad's eyes widened as he came to realize what had happened.

"MAEVE!" he cried as he fell onto the floor beside her. He looked at her, desperate. "Maeve, look at me, please!"

Firouz looked sadly at his friend. "Sinbad..." he said softly.

"NO!" replied Sinbad. "No, I won't let her die! MAEVE!" he begged, carressing her lovely face. She opened her eyes.

"We shall meet again, my love. We will live again, together," she wispered. Then she felt backward, her eyes still open.

"NOOOOOOO! MAEVE!" cried Sinbad, holding on to her.

The three men looked at the couple, their eyes filling up with tears.

"She's gone little brother.." said Doubar as he put his arms around the young men.

But before anything more could be said, the tower started to collapse.

"We have to get out of here!" said Firouz, covering his head. "Common Sinbad, let's go!"

"NO! I WON'T LEAVE HER HERE!!", he replied, his bracelet glowing brighter.

Doubar forced his brother up to his feet. "It is too late for her little brother!"

With Rongar's help, he dragged him out of the tower just before it all collapsed to the ground. Outside, the moon was once again bright in the sky. Sinbad fell on his knees, crying his lost love. His bracelet has stopped to glow adn the only light in the night came from the moon.

"HOW DARE YOU SHINE SO BRIGHT WHEN MY MOON IS DEAD?!!!" he yelled, throwing his head back to stare at the dead planet.

"How can you be so sure she is dead, Sinbad?"

Turning toward the voice, the four men saw the familiar blue mists dissipate themselves. Smiling at them, the Goddess of the full moon was waiting to see the effects of her remark on the poor captain. Raising to his feet slowly, Sinbad gave her a hateful look.

"She IS dead, and you know it," he said, stepping closer to Selene. "And it is all your fault!" he accused her. "If you hadn't suggest we go in that tower, she would still be alive!"

The Lady smiled and turned to where the remains of the tower were. "Watch my friend.."

As she spoke, a dim green light made its way through the debris. Growing bigger and bigger, it started to float smoothly, heading toward the group. At the same moment, Sinbad's bracelet glowed too, as if it was responding to the green bubble. And then they saw her.

"MAEVE!"

Sinbad ran to the green bubble. It let him enter and soon, the two young lovers came out, holding hands.

"MAEVE!" yelled the rest of the crew. They all hugged their beloved friend, not wanting to let go of her. Maeve started to laugh. "Common guys! Show a little more respect for a dead woman!"

They all bursted in laughter. "If there's something you are not lass, it's dead!" replied Doubar crushing her in his arms.

After a while, they remember the presence of Selene. Sinbad bowed to her.

"Please accept my apologies, My Lady!"

She smiled at him. "There is no need tro apologize, captain. You two have a second chance in this life, don't waste it."

"Aye Ma'me!" said Sinbad, smiling back. Selene, the Greek Goddess of the full moon, nodded as she misted away.

*********************

Doubar took a look at his brother and friends, wondering what would have happened to them if things had been different. " Not that I don't care for Master Dim-Dim. But if he hadn't been taken away from us, this crew might not have bonded as it did." he thought. Then, with a small grinning smile, he added : "Especially between Sinbad and Maeve…"

He turned his attention to the Celtic woman. More than once, Doubar had wish his little brother would finally find the courage to tell her about his feelings.But, as strange as it may sound, the fearless captain who fought evil monsters with all the strenght he had, seemed to lack the guts when it comes to the
lovely sorceress. Doubar had always had a soft spot for this one, ever since she joined the crew. Feeling already protective toward his little brother, Doubar naturally extended this feeling to the young woman and wished to be to her the big brother she seemed to miss. Maeve never told him about having a big brother but somehow, Doubar knew she had one and that she was missing him.

Right now, Maeve's sleep seemed to be peaceful. "At last," thought Doubar. For the past few days, Doubar had noticed she didn't sleep easy, turning and moaning all night long. He had tried to get her to tell him about her nightmares but every time the fiercy sorceress brushed him away quite hard. So Doubar decided to let it go. "Maeve isn't the kind of person to share her feelings and personnal thoughts easily", he tought.

******************

On the other side of the island, a dark haired woman was pacing around in a damp cave. "I know I came here for a reason," she thought. "I don't usually go to the end of the world for nothing." Swearing because she couldn't remember why she was there, she waved her hands and vanished.

*****************

Up somewhere in the skies, the Lady was keeping a close watch on her pupil. "One day," she thought. "One day they will discover it again, the way it should have been..."

The End