Once upon a time… All eyes were on Raven as she made the-
Ahem! Again? You sure like playing favorites dear…
Who? Me?! Looks who's talking… I bet you interrupted me so you can go and start the story with Apple White instead!
Not now at least. You already set the audience on Raven... Now I can't just flip it without confusing them…
So you won't even deny that that's what you intended to do… besides they may already be utterly confused by all of this. Thank you, love, now we have to start over… again.
Well, I see no problem, now let me begin… Once upon a time-
Aha! See, I knew it! You want to start with Apple! And I'm the one playing favorites!
Mom, Dad… I'm sorry to interrupt but… Why are we covering the story again from the beginning?
Because we are narrators, Brooke… that's what we do… we narrate.
I know that, Dad… what I'm asking is why we are not continuing on with the next chapter… surely the audience wants to hear something new.
Well, that's because… hmm… you see, there is a reason…
Let me handle this, dear. Brooke, there are rules about opening new chapters. We'll explain them to you when you need to know about them. Short version is that we can't. So we will cover the story from the very beginning while we wait. Satisfied?
If I'm being honest-
Great! Now, where were we? Ah! Yeah, I was about to start with Apple-
Huhu! Oh, no. I see what you are trying to pull, but no, love. The story starts with Raven.
Prove it! Both stories are entwined together; they basically start at the same time!
I'm sorry to interrupt again but I have another question…
What is it this time, Brooke? Are you perhaps on your mom's side and giving her chances to take the upper hand in this, young lady?
What? No. Dad, I'm just wondering… Why don't we at least cover the story from someone else's perspective? Why does it always go around Apple and Raven?
They are the main characters, Brooke. Most interesting parts take place where they are.
Your father is right. We can't just pick another main character ourselves. Our role is just to narrate what is inside the books.
But we have done it before… now and then, telling short stories that barely involve the snow white duo… I'm sure there may be more chapters like that, right?
Hmmmm… Brooke we just explained you this, we can't just go opening new chapters.
Technically, mom, you didn't explain anything at all… and I'm just suggesting changing the point of view… not the main characters or the story at all. Oh! Maybe we can ask Maddie to-
Brooke, no. We cannot interfere with the story, we've been lucky nothing too severe has happened from your previous… slips.
Bu-
We are actually proud of you, Brooke; being so brave by going against the rules to help those you care about; and I know that being a narrator may not look as fun now, with all the rules we have to abide by, but I'm sure you'll find a way to love it nonetheless just like your mother and I.
I still love narrating, Dad… I just… I guess… waiting may not be my favorite part of it.
How about we let you be the first one to narrate when a new chapter is opened? Will that make the waiting more interesting to you?
Really?! It does, Mom! It does! Thank you! Thank you both!
Well, well, why don't you rest a bit while your father and I narrate from the beginning? You can come back any time you want.
Ok, I'll wander a little to distract myself, hopefully I'll find something interesting… don't mind me and continue if I take too long. Love you Dad! Love you Mom!
Take care! Try not to get yourself in trouble!
Love you, sweetie! Ok… now where were we again? Ah yes I was about to start with Apple, right dear?
Not this again…
I'm bored! Several weeks have passed since that… and Mom and Dad have been doing nothing but narrating everything again and again… I think this is their 23rd time…
"23rd?! That sounds crazy!"
I know, right! Coming from you it means a lot… I'm starting to get worried about them...
"So, it is the first time they behave like this."
Yes, we have had waiting periods before, but they've never been so eager in re-reading everything over and over… As an expert in the matter, do you think they've gone… mad?
"Why, no. I don't think so. Real madness is not so robotic… it's more like a brrr or a swwwwnnn! Know what I mean?"
Chuckle- well looking at you, sticking your tongue with arms crossed pointing in different directions and standing in one foot, I guess I do. And now you're clapping your hands in excitement…
"Oh! It's because I love it when you do that, it's so funny!"
Wh.. what?!
"When you start describing what everyone is doing! It's hat-tastic!"
Oh! Thanks! That's kind of our thing… we are narrators after all…
"And before all too."
It's always so fun to talk to you Maddie. It would be great if I didn't have to hide to do so… and between school and the Tea Shoppe you barely have free time… besides I would feel bad if everyone saw you randomly talking to yourself…
"Why, I don't mind, Brooke. I'm mad, see? And I would never let a friend down! ...or up for that hatter... So feel free to talk to me when you can, silly".
Thanks… now back to my parents and their odd behavior… you said they have not gone mad and I just pointed out they've never acted like this before…
"Think they may be hiding something?"
Huh?
"Why, yeah… I remember Raven acting similarly once… it was nothing important what she was hiding… just a picture of Apple in her mirrorphone. Raven can be weird at times…"
Well, it sounds fitting but not quite… wait… of Apple? Why would she hide something like that?
"Weird, right? I thought so too… and about your parents, maybe they're hiding something big! Maybe it's a surprise for you or something! Oh, I love surprises!"
"Maddie!" A voice called not so far from here… why are you giggling?
"You are doing it again!" Oh.
"Maddie!" They called again, now swinging an arm over their head to better catch her attention.
"It's Raven! I gotta go! Tell me when you discover your parents' picture, ok?"
Yes, yes. Go, she's waiting.
"Talk to you later, Brooke!"
"Who's Brooke?" Asked Raven, who had gotten close enough to hear Maddie.
Said girl giggled sweetly before saying "She's my friend."
I'm sorry to disappoint, Maddie… it may not be a picture, but I think we got a starter thinking they may be up to something… but what could a narrator hide? Isn't it against the rules or something? Maybe it is as Maddie said and it's a surprise… or a spoiler.
Maybe I could just ask them what's going on. Hmmm… Mom… that would be a bad idea… but maybe Dad, he's always less stiff...
Mom, Dad, I'm back!
…
Huh? No response?
…That would change things for the better-
Or the worst!
He! Seems they started over again… maybe I shouldn't interrupt them. Sigh- I wish I could've stayed with Maddie a little longer… She said she liked it when I narrated… giggle.
Aaaagh... If only I could materialize in the fairytale world. I mean the mirrornetwork does give me a little bit more of freedom in there but… I can't help wanting... more.
I mean... it seems like Mom and Dad are at it again; it sounds like they are already on Thronecoming. Geez, What in the Kingdom is going on with them? I tried talking to Dad but he won't let out a verse. Do they really want me to believe this is normal?
Things would be so much easier if I could just narrate the narrators; it would be as easy as changing the wea- THUMP -ther...
Huh? What was that? It felt as if... someone was calling me. -THUMP -Oh! There it is again!
Mom? Dad? … No, they are still narrating. Then… who? Or… what? -THUMP -
To the right? -THUMP - I hear it a little clearer now. I feel it a little clearer…-THUMP - Should I… follow it? -THUMP -That came out wrong -ahem- I will follow it! That's better. -THUMP -I wonder why I don't feel scared at all, -THUMP -oh! To the left now, all I feel is this pushing inside of me.-THUMP -
The Bookroom… Mom and Dad said I shouldn't come in. -THUMP -But! I feel it coming from here. -THUMP -C'mon, Brooke! Be brave! Make your own choices! -THUMP - At the count of three!
One!
Two!
Two and a half!
Two and three quarters!
Here comes nothing… Three!
…
Huh?! WOOOOOOOW! They're so many! What's with this?! Wow!
Ah! These are from before Raven and Co! All of these are the story of Ever After!
The guys' volumes! Chuckle- This is where Thronecoming should be.
Spring Unsprung, Way too Wonderland, Dragon Games… huh? -THUMP -- Which is this one…? It is unsealed. Is this…? No, it can't be. Mom and Dad wouldn't, would they? … I should take a peek to be sure.
... Her eyes rested on the path ahead, she tried keeping her tears at bay at the sight. Her trembling hands betrayed the way she held her sword in place. She wondered if her prayer would be heard... She raised and kissed the blade in a solem act, whispering the replay of a promise, an oath displayed in front of a one person audience. Soon, she would be face to face with death and she knew it. But that would not be enough to break her resolution… Wait this is talking about-
Brooke! What are you doing?! You know you should not-
Mom, this… this is big… we have to tell them.
No, Brooke. We cannot do that, and you know it well-
But, Dad!
It is against the rules!
The rules this! The rules that! Is that the only argument you ever after have?!
Brooke…
This is unsealed, Mom! This is a new chapter! … Wait…
Brooke, we-
This is the new chapter! You were deliberately postponing its narration! I can't believe it! Since when?!
Brooke, calm down-
Since when, Dad?!
…
Oh. So that's why you were acting so weird… Since then? Since the whole re-reading began? But, why? Why keeping it so long? I thought you were all on in the rule following thing!
Sweetie, we-
We were searching for something.
Wh… Something? What, Dad?
Anything.
You know what is inside this book, don't you?
Yes, we do. We don't have the details, we haven't narrated it either but we know. We were hoping we could have some answers before we inevitably had to begin.
Did you find something?
No, no matter how deep we looked or how many times we did, the books only let us look so far. There is nothing in the previous chapters we can use to help.
Brooke, sweetie, we are really sorry for keeping this from you but we did this for y-
Let's narrate it.
Come again?
We have to read it!
Brooke, the only reason your father and I haven't narrated this book is because we knew it would hurt you deeply if anything bad were to happen to your friends. Are you aware of what you are saying? Of what it means?
Yes, mom. I'm well aware of what might happen, but still I want to read it. The answers you were looking for, they may be inside this book; besides I-
Well, these kids have proven to overcome all the hardships they've been presented to. At least we should give them a chance, am I right?
Yes, Dad. I trust them.
Sigh- It's decided then... if that is the case... go ahead Brooke, this one is yours.
Wha… Mom?
I mean, we did promise you would narrate this one… Maybe I should bring some refreshments.
I… sniff- Oh! Sorry… sniff- ahem… I… I won't let you down.
We know you won't.
Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom.
Oh! I'll definitely bring us something now. Don't wait for me to begin, sweetie. Your father can fill me up if I miss something important. Though I'll surely just miss the whole introduction to the world of Ever After, I would gladly take a rest of them; you'll know why.
Giggle- Ok, I get it, Mom...sigh- This is it.
What's wrong, Brooke?
Huh? Ah! Nothing, Dad… It's nothing. I'm just a little scared. Huh? I'm… scared. I… sniff-
Shhshsh- Come here, my little girl. It's ok, little couplet, it's ok to feel scared. Don't cry…
You haven't sniff- called me that in a while sniff-
Well, you make it hard to when you show so often that brave side of you.
Brave, huh? sniff-
Yes. Very brave. See, it's only because of that bravery that we both get to remember that you'll always be my little couplet.
Giggle- Yes, Dad.
Calmed down a bit?
Sniff- yeah… Dad… do you mind if we read it like this? Just like when I was a kid. I feel like I'll need some support.
You're still a kid, couplet, and yes… both your mother and I will do our best to assist you. So, are you comfy and ready to give it a go?
Yes. I can do this!
Aww! Isn't this adorable? Mind if I join?
Giggle- Come here, Mom.
Sure I will. Here, I brought us something.
Thanks, Love.
All right, now that we're all ready, here I go!
Wait! So I'll still have to hear the introduction?!
Giggle- Once upon a time…
Hello, and nice to meet you. You can call me Yui if you like (and if you find Hopeshield too long).
I'm very new to this of publishing stories on FF , so I'll gladly accept any help and advice anyone is willing lo give.
Honestly, I'm not that good at commenting, and I don't think I'll be adding these 'author notes' to the whole thing (that is, if I finish). I don't even know if someone will read this, let me know if you did please ^^ (I do read author's notes btw). I'll consider this something like a foreword.
Thank you very much for giving this piece of mine a chance. I promise this is about Briar. Though, given the chance I would have omited the spoiler from the very tittle but you need to know to some extent what this is going to be about xD. I'm still reluctant to give any more information of what will happen, and the pairings (cuz I know, we are all here for the ships) that will appear. I'm actually not too sure myself. I'm planning on letting the pieces fall where they are meant to.
I promise things will be clearer next chapter (you know, chapter 01).
Hope you find this worth the read.
Word you later.