Once Upon a Dream - Chapter 1: Once Upon A Time
In a far away land, long ago, lived King Donald Pierce and his fair wife, Queen Amelia Pierce. Many years had they longed for a child, and finally, their wish was granted. A daughter was born, and they called her Brittany. Then a great holiday was proclaimed throughout the kingdom, so that all of high or low estate might pay homage to the infant princess. And our story begins on that most joyful day.
"Their royal majesties, King Antonio, Queen Sophia and Princess Santana…the Lopez family," announced the royal town crier, William. The three stepped forward to gaze at the beautiful baby girl.
Fondly had these monarchs dreamed one day their kingdoms to unite. They wanted so badly to unite that they proclaimed that gender shall not matter when love is true. Thus today would they announce that Santana and Brittany would be betrothed. Santana looked, unknowing, on her future bride.
"She's so little," Santana said, and looked closer, "and her eyes are so pretty and are the color of the sky." She smiled and looked at her father, who put his hand on her back and grinned. Santana was more observant than most 4-and-a-half year olds. Smarter too. He knew in his heart that Santana and Brittany's relationship would blossom beautifully.
When the King and Queen and Princess Santana were done congratulating the Pierce family, King Antonio and Queen Sophia took the small Princess's hands and left the castle.
"The most honored and exalted excellencies, the three Chorus Cantores: Miss Rachel Berry, Miss Mercedes Jones, and Mister Kurt Hummel," announced William as the three singers stepped forward to view the tiny princess.
"Oh, she is beautiful," Rachel admired as she smiled at the baby girl.
"Definitely," Kurt agreed.
"Okay, now we mustn't waste time, there are many others waiting behind us. Your majesties, we three are here to bless the child with a two gifts each."
The King and Queen smiled and nodded at the three singers, and Rachel turned to Mercedes.
"Would you like to go first?" Rachel offered, which startled the other two, for she usually never gives up a chance at the spotlight.
"Of course!" Mercedes smiled and took Brittany's tiny hand.
"To you, dear princess, my gifts shall be the gifts of beauty and courage:
First gift, beauty rare,
Full of sunshine in her hair
Next gift, courage that shows
She'll walk with confidence
Wherever she goes."
Mercedes let go of the Princess's hand and walked back next to Kurt. Rachel then took the baby's hand and began,
"To your, sweet Brittany, my gifts shall be the gifts of song and dance:
One gift, the gift of song
Melody her whole life long
The gift of dance is number two
She'll live her life dancing through."
Finally, Kurt walked to the princess when Rachel was finished and took her hand. Brittany smiled at him and he smiled back, and took a breath,
"Darling Princess, my gift shall be-"
Suddenly, a blow of the wind caused the castle doors to swing open. That's when Sue, the evil sorceress, walked in angrily.
"Why is SHE here?" Mercedes started, anger building inside her.
Kurt tapped her shoulder, "Shh!"
"Ah. Well, isn't this a quaint assemblage? It looks as though you're having quite the party. Look - you even invited the peasants," Sue spat, motioning towards the three singers. Mercedes starts towards Sue, but is held back by Rachel.
Sue smirks and continues, "I must say, I was quite distressed that I didn't receive an invitation…"
Mercedes couldn't stay quite any longer. "You weren't wanted!" She exclaimed. Sue looked at her in faux-shock.
"Weren't wanted? This is certainly awkward. I was hoping that it was due to some oversight. Well, in that event, I shall be on my way."
"You aren't…offended, your Excellency?" the Queen asked, concerned.
"Of course not, your Majesty. And to show I bare no ill, I too shall bestow a gift on the child."
The three singers stepped in front of the cradle, protecting it. Sue pushes them aside.
"Listen, all of you filthy maggots! The Princess shall indeed grow up beautiful, courageous, and gifted in song and dance, beloved by all who know her. But before the sun sets on her 16th birthday, she shall prick her finger on a spinning wheel and DIE!"
"Oh my! Oh no!" the Queen cried, as she picked up her baby girl and held her close.
"Seize her!" The King yelled at his guards and pointed at Sue. Before they could get her, though, she snapped her fingers and vanished, laughing maniacally.
The Queen and King began crying and holding Brittany close. The three singers stepped before them with just a glimmer of hope in their eyes.
"Don't worry, your majesties. Kurt still has his gifts to give," Rachel explained sweetly.
"Can he undo this horrible curse?" King Donald asked. Kurt sadly shook his head.
"I'm afraid not, sir. Sue's powers are much too great. I can, however, help to make it less horrifying."
"Dear, lovely Princess Brittany. First off, I must give you the first gift, the gift of love:
One gift, the gift of love
To help you find what's true
Once you find your one soul mate
One heart will be made from two."
Kurt cleared his throat and continued, "and now, her next gift…to help make this horrible curse…less horrible. Sweet Princess,
If through this wicked witches trick,
A spindle should your finger prick,
a ray of hope there still may be
in this, the gift I give at thee.
Not in death but just in sleep
the fateful prophecy you'll keep,
And from this slumber you shall wake
when true love's kiss the spell shall break.
For true love conquers all."
But King Stefan, still fearful of his daughter's life, did then and there decree that every spinning wheel in the kingdom should on that very day be burnt.
Even though every spinning wheel in the kingdom was burned, the three singers still believed the princess was not safe. They decided to tell the King and Queen their worries, and they agreed it would be best to protect Brittany in another way. They devised a plan to take Brittany far away to raise her like a peasant girl, without magic. She'd never know who she really was, and until her 16th birthday she would remain hidden so that no harm could come to her. On her 16th birthday she would be reunited with her family. The Queen and King were heartbroken, but decided it was for the best.
Kurt, Mercedes, and Rachel disguised themselves as peasants and took Brittany with them. They traveled to an abandoned cottage out in the forest, where they were about to live for 16 years.
From then on until her 16th birthday, Brittany was no longer known as Brittany, but instead known as Rose.
To Be Continued…