PERSONA EVER AFTER HIGH
Episode 2:
The Rebel and the World: Part 2 – Raven
Tuesday, 2 of September, 2013 – Cloudy
Raven and Apple's Dorm Room, Morning
Raven's POV
I wake up to the sound of Apple White's singing; no doubt she got up earlier and was doing her morning routine. "So much for a quiet morning…" I grumbled under my breath as I got up from bed.
"Good morning roomie!" Apple greeted me all cheery, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah…more or less…" I said, still feeling sleepy. "What about you?"
"Oh, it was the most enchanting sleep ever after!" Apple said, "Last night, I dreamt about our future story and…"
"Please, stop right there…I already know our story…" I stopped her before she could go into detail, "I'm happy that you're happy Apple, but…" I let out a yawn, "I just want to go do my morning routine now, if you don't mind."
"Oh, by all means Raven, go right ahead." Apple said as she let me pass, "Don't forget to make yourself as evil as possible, okay?"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever…" I said uninterested in Apple's suggestions as I went and did my morning routine. I took my shower, dried up, got dressed, brushed my teeth and put on my make-up. After I was done, Apple and I headed down to the castleteria for breakfast.
Castleteria, Morning
After picking what I wanted for breakfast and put on my tray, I walked over to the table where Maddie was sitting. I notice both Cerise and Cedar were also sitting at the table with her and I smile as I joined them, "Good morning guys."
"Oh, good morning Raven!" Maddie greeted me cheerfully.
"Morning Raven." Both Cedar and Cerise greeted me as well.
I sit next to Maddie as we all enjoy breakfast together, when Maddie spoke up, "Looks like you and I aren't rooming together after all, huh?"
"Yeah, now I'm stuck with Apple." I said, "Not like I have a problem living with her, it's just that I'm totally bummed that you and I aren't rooming together."
"Yeah." Maddie said, sharing my feelings, "Even though I don't have a problem with living with Kitty Cheshire, a fellow Wonderlandian."
"But it still sucks that we're not living together, huh?" I asked.
"Yeah, it does…" Maddie replied.
"Huh? So you guys aren't rooming together?" Cedar asked.
Cedar Wood is the daughter of Pinocchio. She has dark brown, wavy hair with purple strands, a green ribbon, medium brown skin, and hazel eyes. She wore a purple shirt with a white collar, pink sleeves, a pink and black shirt with yellow designs around, with pink straps with yellow outlines, over her shoulders, securing her skirt. She also wore white knee-high socks with pink straps around, and brown and pink high-heel shoes.
"No, Apple White asked Headmaster Grimm for me and her to room together and he approved." I said, "So now I'm stuck living with Apple White instead."
"I am now living with Kitty Cheshire." Maddie said, "Which I don't have a problem with, since we're fellow Wonderlandians and all but…it sucks Raven and I aren't rooming together. Such a shame too, we were really looking forward to it too."
"Tell me about it." I said.
"Whoa, sorry to hear that." Cerise said.
"Yeah, I do feel bad about it, but, at least you can still hang out with each other." Cedar said.
"Yeah…" I said.
As I enjoyed my breakfast, or at least tried to, I would notice a few other students passing by, all either giving me these death glares, or just straying as far away from me as possible, with expression filled with fear and dread. I groan in annoyance as I look at Cedar, "Hey Cedar?" I called.
"Yeah?" Cedar looked at me.
"Since you're obviously the most honest one here, do you think that everyone is starting to see me more as the next "Evil Queen", instead of who I really am?" I asked her.
Cedar nodded, "It seems that way." She replied, "The more I look at the students, the more I see them seeing each other as who they will become in their stories."
"Great…" I said as I pouted, while still trying to enjoy my breakfast. At the same time, I notice Gus Crumb walking around as if looking for someone.
He had short blond and pink hair and wears a mild pink suit. His shirt was white with a yellow pull-off collar flap and he had a green bow. His vest was mild pink with darker pink licorice as sleeveless ends. He wore hot pink pull-up pants and accessorizes with a brown belt and stripy bracelet.
"Helga? Helga?! Where are you?" Gus called out while searching around the castleteria.
"What's up with Gus?" I asked, "And where is Helga?"
"I don't know, but I haven't seen Helga around…heck, I don't think I've ever seen those two separated before." Cerise said.
"Yeah, that is odd." Maddie said, "Those two are like, two peas in a pot, after all."
"Well, whatever happened between those two, it seems they got separated." Cedar said.
"That sounds fishy…" I said, as I tried to eat my breakfast. However, at the corner of my eye, I noticed something at the window 'Is that…fog?' I wondered.
Meanwhile…
Normal POV
Courtyard, Morning
Faybelle Thorn, daughter of the Evil Fairy Godmother was on doing some morning jogs after she had already finished her breakfast. It was kind of hard to see where she was going because of the fog that suddenly started blanketing the whole place.
"Damn fog…why did it have to appear all of a sudden!?" she cursed as she had trouble knowing what was in front of her.
However, despite this, she continued on until she stopped to notice something was out of place. She looked up and saw what appeared to be something hanging from a satellite dish. But no, upon closer inspection, it wasn't an object; it was a person, a girl to be exact. She had hazel eyes (which now looked dead) and a curly pastel pink, blue, and lavender high side ponytail with sprinkles and a hot pink bow. She wore a knee-length, soft pink frock with candy floss pink ruffles. Her bottom layer of the dress had lollipops stuck on around stripey-pinks. She accessorized with a magenta bow with a grey candy wrapper in her hair, a pair of large swirly peppermint earrings, a cookie necklace, a chocolate belt and bracelet, along with a green wrapper as a ring.
It was Helga Crumb, the daughter of Hansel and cousin to Gus Crumb. And she was hanging from the satellite dish…dead.
The very sight of it caused Faybelle to release a high-pitched scream of horror and fear, as it echoed throughout all the land, grabbing the attention of everyone.
Meanwhile, an hour later…
Raven's POV
Magicology Class, Morning
Despite that scream from earlier, we all headed for class as soon as we were finished with breakfast. Man, this is torture…here I am, attending Magicology class and I have to put up with students expecting me to cast an evil spell on them, like…turn them into frogs, or toads, or snakes and whatnot. I keep hearing them whispering to me bad stuff about me and I really don't want to put up with them as I just concentrate on the teacher's lecture.
"She's just trying to play it cool so she can actually throw any evil spell on us I just know it!"
"I heard her mother did that back when she was around."
I try my best to ignore them until class was finally over. I thought I'd be able to leave the classroom without making a scene, but then…one of those little bastards crosses the line.
"I'm willing to bet her father's a total dumbass and sucker for boobies for marrying someone so evil and have a daughter who's as evil as her!"
Something snaps inside me…there's no way in hex I'm letting that one slide…I was just about to turn toward them and give them a piece of my mind until…
"Attention teachers! Report to the Faculty Office immediately for a brief staff meeting! All students are to remain in the classrooms and are not allowed to leave until further notice. Thank you, that is all." That was Headmaster Grimm talking through the PA announcer. It took me by surprise that I forgot what I was about to do.
"Oh for the love of…" the teacher groaned as he turned to us, "Well, you heard the Headmaster. All of you are to remain here in the classroom until you're told otherwise!"
With that, said, he left the classroom, leaving only us students here. I remain silent as I wondered what that was all about. Then I hear the other students chatting and gossiping about that announcement. And…what was I about to do? Oh yes, I was about to fry the little screwball who insulted my beloved Father!
…
Or…on second thought, I better just pretend I didn't hear a thing. I don't want people to think of me as the next Evil Queen.
'Still, what was that announcement all about?' I wondered within my thoughts. I think about it for a moment before I sigh, 'It's probably just a bunch of "important" school stuff and whatnot, I should just leave it be and…'
Suddenly we were interrupted when Headmaster Grimm came back on the PA Announcer, "Attention students! There's been an incident at the school's courtyard! All students are advised to avoid heading for the courtyard and head straight back to your dormitory rooms. We have dispatched the Knight in Shining Armor to investigate the incident. Do not bother the knights, head straight back to the dorms. I repeat…"
"An incident…? At the courtyard?" one of the students asked.
"And the Knights in Shining Armor were summoned to investigate it!?" another student asked.
"Dude! I wanna go see!" a third student shouted in excitement.
"I'm curious as well, but we should just listen to the Headmaster and head back to our dorms." The other student said.
"Aw, come on!" the third student whined.
I decide to ignore them. I take my books, leave the classroom and head straight back to the dorm for the moment. An incident at the courtyard, huh? I wonder what that was all about.
Raven and Apple's Dorm room, Morning
It's been 2 hours since Mr. Grimm's last announcement. I find myself back in my dorm room, along with Apple White. I just laid there on my bed, trying to keep my mind off things by reading a book. Apple White looked worried for some reason. I assume it has something to do with the incident.
"Raven?" I perked up and looked at Apple, after she called out my name.
"Yeah?" I asked.
"Where were you when the incident was announced?" Apple asked me.
"I was in Magicology class." I answered, "Why do you ask?"
"Uh…no reason." Apple said, but I could immediately tell she was lying. She's always been a terrible liar.
"Apple, are you suspecting I had something to do with it?" I asked with a very serious expression.
Apple sighed, knowing I was on to her, "Well, you are the next Evil Queen, so naturally you'd have to have something to do with it." she admitted.
"Well, I don't." I said flat out. "I was in Magicology class, minding my own business." 'And putting up with some back-talking jerks while I was at it.' I add in my thoughts.
"Alright, I was only checking." Apple said, "It's a shame, because Legacy Day is around the corner and…"
"Please stop." I said, trying to remain calm, "And don't bring up the L-Day again, okay?"
"Raven…" Apple said.
"What now?" I asked.
"Uh, nothing, pay me no mind." Apple said, probably deciding to end the conversation there. Good, now I can relax.
Or so I though, because Headmaster Grimm made yet another announcement, "Attention all students! Report to the Charmitorium immediately for a school assembly. There's an important issue that must be addressed at once. I repeat…"
"School assembly!?" Apple gawked, "So early? But why? Is it because of that incident?"
"Probably." I said, "We better get going then and see what this is all about."
"Agreed." Apple said as we walked out of the dorm room and head to the Charmitorium.
Charmitorium, Morning
Apple and I arrived at the school's Charmitorium. Every student and teacher of Ever After High was gathered here for the assembly. As we make our way through the crowd, we find Maddie and Briar, who have been saving us seats the whole time. I sat next to Maddie while Apple sat next to Briar.
Briar Beauty is the daughter of Sleeping Beauty, also known as Briar Rose. She has thick and wavy brown hair with pink streaks running through it, light brown skin, and brown eyes. Her fashion motif are roses and thorns, wearing a pink and black dress, grey tights decorated with black thorns, pink high-heel shoes and pink, stylish sunglasses over her head.
"I wonder why they called us for an assembly all of a sudden." Apple wondered.
"I have no clue why, but I just hope it's nothing too serious." Briar said hopefully.
I looked around and I noticed Gus Crumb with a worried look on his face, as he looked around for his cousin Helga, who didn't show up at all. "Hey? Don't you guys think its odd how Helga and Gus aren't together?" I asked.
"Helga is still no show, huh?" Maddie said
"You don't think they got mad at each other, do you?" Raven wondered, "I mean, of course that can't be the case, I mean, those two are inseparable."
"Yeah, but…" Maddie wondered, "Why aren't they together then?"
"Attention, please! The school assembly will now begin!" Madam Yaga called out from the stage.
Baba Yaga is both the teacher of Evilnomics and the school's faculty advisor. She has long gray hair, gray eyes, and white skin. She wears a lot of jewelry on her body and feathers and bones in her hair. She is also wearing a light blue shirt with a black vest, a ragged old blue dress skirt, a red hood over her head and she flies around in a chimney.
"First of all, Headmaster Grimm has a very important announcement to make." Madam Yaga said before she flew off the stage, as Mr. Grimm walked up to the stage and began his announcement.
"Students and Staff of Ever After High. By now, you're all wondering about that incident that took place this morning and why we decided to hold an assembly." He said, "Well, I am afraid I have some terrible news to address to you all: one of our students from this school, Helga Crumb, daughter of Hensel…has passed away."
'WHAT!? Passed away!?' I screamed in my mind at this shocking news, while gasps were heard among the crowd. I looked around and saw everyone had almost the exact same reaction. Maddie looked really shocked, Apple had her jaw hanging open, and Briar looked horrified as the glasses fell over her eyes. Dexter and Daring looked shocked, their sister Darling looked horrified before fainting, Cerise had her eyes wide open in shock, Cedar looked horrified as her jaw dropped. Then I notice Gus Crumb who took the worst out of everyone. He looked down with a blank expression, unsure of how to react, as if whether should he start crying or should he scream like crazy loud. Either way, I couldn't blame him. At the same time, I hear students whispering to each other, while Mr. Grimm continued on.
"The body was found this morning by one of our own, and the cause of her death is yet unknown. We have dispatched the Knights in Shining Armor to investigate this matter." Mr. Grimm said. "If by any chance they ask for your cooperation, I urge you to provide only the facts."
At the same time, I hear students beginning to scream in panic and making up ridiculous stories like one of the villians in training must had had the stupid idea of committing murder as a way of boosting their "evilness", and then…there are several others who are glaring at me, as if thinking I was the culprit. However, Mr. Grimm continued on…
"Now simmer down, all of you!" he shouted, "I have been assured by the faculty that there was no evidence that bullying was involved, or that Miss Raven Queen had anything to do with it. So mind what you say, not just to the knights, but to anyone who asks…"
The atmosphere just got thicker and thicker, as everyone was both terrified and sadden by this news.
"Found dead?" Briar spoke up in shock, "How could this happen!?"
"To die young…and never fulfilling their destiny…how horrible…" Apple looked terrified.
"So not Hat-tastic…" Maddie simply said.
I looked at Gus and I noticed that he still had that same blank expression, it's making me worry.
"In any case, I ask that you try to at least carry on with your school life and leave this matter to the Knights in Shining Armor and that you cooperate with them, if they ever ask so." Mr. Grimm continued on, "And…for those of you who have been affected by this tragic turn of events, you have both mine and the faculty's deepest condolences."
I…couldn't believe all of this. Helga Crumb…daughter of Helsel…passed away…before she even pledged her destiny…how could this be? If she was murdered, then…who in the world could have done such a terrible thing? Suddenly, I began to remember the words of a certain someone…
'The Tower, in the upright position. This card represents the immediate future. It would seem that a terrible catastrophe is about to fall upon you at your destination.'
Was this…what that Igor guy was talking about?
Hallway, Morning
I was walking down the hallway, still trying to recover from the shock at the terrible news we got during that school assembly. Apple, Maddie and Briar were right beside me as we walked.
"I can't believe that one of our own has died…" Briar said sadly.
"I know, it's dreadful!" Apple said, "Without Helga, hers and Gus' story is incomplete!"
'Oh, real caring of you Apple.' I said sarcastically in my thoughts, but didn't dare say it out loud.
"This is simply NOT hat-tastic." Maddie said, "Who in the world would want to murder someone so young?"
"No idea…" I replied.
I am going to be honest here. I never liked Helga or Gus. They may look adorable on the outside, but on the inside, they are greedy little weasels who will do anything for candy, going as far as to blackmail others. Despite this however, I don't believe she deserved to die.
"Hey, Raven?" Apple asked me.
"Yes?" I said, dreading where this was going.
"You didn't happen to have had something to do with Helga's death, did you?" Apple asked me.
"What!?" I gawked, "Of course not Apple! I was with you the whole time!"
"Yeah, I didn't think so." Apple replied, "Because you are supposed to be after MY life after all."
I facepalmed at that last statement. I couldn't help it. The only thing this girl seems to have in mind is her story, expecting ME to be the villain who will poison her, and so on.
"Hey now, let's not talk about that, okay?" Briar said to Apple, "This is a serious matter after all."
"Indeed, whoever is responsible for Helga's death needs to be found and brought to justice!" Maddie shouted, raising her hand up in the air. She giggled as she said, "I've always wanted to say stuff like that."
I giggled, "And I think you've did pretty well."
As the four of us walked down the hallway, we stopped to see a group of students gossiping.
"Dude, Helga Crumb's been murdered. Can you believe that?"
"Apparently her body was found hanging from a satellite dish. That is so creepy."
"Yeah, there's no way that could have been an accident. This is definitely a murder case."
"You know? That is not all there is to it."
"What do you mean?"
"I heard someone say that they have watched that Midnight Reflection thing that everyone's gossiping about and he said something like "Helga Crumb is my soulmate", or something. He also said that when he saw her, she looked like she was running from something and that she was suddenly attacked by a black mass or something, just before the reflection went back to normal. You don't suppose that is connected somehow, do you?
"Oh, that sounds scary…"
"Sounds more like that someone you spoke of had a nightmare…"
"But if it is true what he saw and then Helga showing up dead…"
The students continued on gossiping. Me, Maddie, Apple and Briar heard the whole thing as we decided to continue on and try to ignore it all. However…that Midnight Reflection thing again…why does it still keep bugging me so much? It's as if…
"YOU WITCH!" A voice rang up from behind me. I turned around and the next thing I know, I was tackled and pushed back against the wall. I take a better look and see Gus Crumb glaring at me, his face full of hate and rage.
"Gus!?" I gawked.
"Give her back! Bring her back to me, dammit!" Gus yelled at me in anger as he held me against the wall.
"I can't do that." I said.
"Bring my cousin back you witch! I don't care if you are the next Evil Queen, bring Helga back or else I'll make your life miserable, along with your friends!" Gus yelled at me in rage as he grabbed my neck and started strangling me to death. I gasp as he choked the life out of me as students gathered around to see what was happening. I could see some were giggling at me, but there were others who looked worried. I try to escape, but for someone who's smaller and younger than me, he's got a strong grip. I can't escape! I thought I was done for but…
"Hey Gus! Leave my friend alone!" Maddie yelled as she rushed in and grabbed Gus, followed by Apple and Briar. Cedar and Cerise joined in too. Working together, they pulled Gus away from me.
I fall on my knees, gasping for air while holding my neck in pain. Maddie rushed over to my side as she asked, "Are you alright Raven?"
"Barely…" I gasped, as Apple and Cedar joined my side.
"Let go of me!" Gus yelled as he was being held back by Cerise and Briar, "Can't you see? She's nothing but a killer! She doesn't deserve to live! Why are you siding with an evil villain? Haven't you got any shame? I lost my cousin and she doesn't deserve to live... She doesn't! You ungraceful traitors!"
As he yelled at the top of his lungs, the teachers and some members of the staff arrived at the scene, "What is going on here!?" Professor Piper asked.
"Gus tried to strangle Raven!" Cedar said.
"He needs to be taken to the school's therapist." The White Queen said, "It must be hard on him since he heard the news of his cousin's passing."
Professor Jack B. Nimble nodded as he picked up Gus and carried him away, "Gus Crumb please! Get a hold of yourself!" he said while carrying him.
"Let go! Let go of me and let me strangle her!" Gus yelled at the top of his lungs as he was carried away by Professor Nimble.
After Gus was taken away, I struggled to gasp for air as my neck was swelling and in a lot of pain. Even though Gus was smaller and younger than me, he actually nearly choked me to death. Thank Grimm that Maddie and the rest were here for me. I hold my throat in pain as Maddie and Cerise help me on my feet, "Thanks girls…" I said weakly.
"We better take you to the nurse's office right away." Cerise said.
I nodded in agreement as Maddie and Cerise helped me walk toward the nurse's office. Cedar, Apple, Briar and some other students followed me. But I can see most of the students just giggling in the background, seeing the next "Evil Queen" being strangled to death by a vengeful kid. I try my best to ignore them as we enter the nurse's office.
Nurse's office, Morning
My friends help me sit down on the bed as Maddie explained to the nurse what happened, while she was doing a check up on me. She explained to her that Gus thought I was Helga's killer and assaulted me. If she and the others weren't there for me, he sure would have killed me for real. I'm really glad that they intervened, or I would be dead…or worse, I could have casted an "evil" spell on Gus and turn him into a lizard or something.
The nurse listened in and nodded as she understood, "Well, something needs to be done about this, they can't just ignore it..." she said with anger in her voice, "I'm going to have to talk to Headmaster Grimm about this and talk to Gus' relatives and convinced him to take therapy to cope with his loss. Meanwhile…" she looked at me, "…you just lay down here and rest."
"Ok." I said.
With that, the nurse left the office, leaving just me, Maddie, Cedar, Cerise, Apple and Briar. They all looked at me, as Maddie spoke first, "There, there Raven. You'll be okay now that the issue with Gus is being taken care of."
"You sure are lucky we were there for you." Cerise said.
"Tell me about it." Briar said, "Gus had a really scary look in his eyes. I mean, I know he's upset about losing Helga and all, but…"
"I know, that was simply horrifying!" Apple agreed before looking at me, "I'm really glad you're safe now Raven, otherwise what would happen to our story?"
"Oh, real caring of you Apple!" Cerise said glaring at Apple, "Raven just got assaulted and what you are worried about is your story!?"
"Well, that's only half of it, the other half is I was really worried about Raven herself." Apple said trying to defend herself.
"I hope for your sake that is the case." Cerise said.
'And I say ditto to that.' I said within my thoughts.
"So Raven, is there anything we can do for you?" Cedar asked me.
"Right now, I just want to lie down and rest." I said as I lay down on the bed, but flinched when I felt the pain in my neck, "And maybe an ice bag…"
"Here you go!" Maddie said as she handed me an ice bag.
"Thanks." I said. I took the ice bag from Maddie and placed it on my neck. I decided to close my eyes and take a nap, the last thing seeing Maddie and the others looking at each other in concern, before my vision went blank as I fell asleep…
Raven's Dream
I woke up, finding myself in a place enshrouded in fog. I have a vague idea, but I do remember being here before. It's the same place from yesterday's dream, where I saw the mysterious figure asking me something about the truth and my freedom. I have no idea what he or she was talking about, but…
"Since I'm here, might as well just look around…" I said to myself, "Even though I can't see well with all this fog…"
Despite this, I started walking down what I believe is a pathway. Again, it's hard to tell because of the fog. I keep walking down the pathway, occasionally having to make some turns when I see them and because I'd probably fall off to Grimm knows where. I walk along until I find what appears to be a door decorated in black and red square outlines.
"So you've come…go through this door if you wish to proceed…if you dare…" It was that mysterious figure's voice. Hearing it all of a sudden took me by surprise.
I was skeptical about going through that door, as I suspected I might end up falling for an enemy trap. But if this is a only a dream…or a nightmare…or both…or maybe…
"Make up your mind Raven!" I said to myself.
I giggled to myself at my own indecisiveness, but I ended up making my choice: I went through the door.
On the other side, I find myself in what appears to be an arena, but it was hard to make out any details because, again, the fog is blocking my view. Standing in front of me however, is the same mysterious figure from before.
"Ah! So you are the one who seeks me." The figure said, "Let us see how well do you fare against me."
"Who are you?" was the first thing that came out of my mouth, proceeded by, "And what was all that talk about the truth and freedom?"
"If it is answers you seek, you must first prove your worth." The figure said.
Something appeared next to me. I examined it and, it looked like a sword, impaled on the ground. "Pick it up." The figure said.
"Why should I?" I asked.
The figure responded by summoning a lightning bolt from its hand and hurled it right at me. I couldn't help but shriek in fear as I rolled out of the way fast, dodging it. This thing meant business!
"Alright, whoever you are…" I said as I grabbed the sword and pulled it out of the ground, "You want a fight? Then I'll give you one."
"Good, come and strike me, if you can." The figure said. "And do not concern yourself with my safety. I am not as fragile as I may seem."
I admit, I never used a sword before, but I have watched how the knights do it. I take my position and hold the sword in front of me with both hands. I let out a battle cry as I rush toward the figure. I lift up the sword and swung it down at the figure, slashing it. I can't tell if I did any damage to it, because of this damn fog.
"Interesting." The figure said, "It seems that you CAN still see something, despite the fog. But will it be enough? Let us find out."
The figure throws two more lightning bolts at me. I dodged both of them and rushed in at the figure, landing another slash with my sword. Once again, it's hard to tell if I'm doing any damage because…well, you know? The Fog?
"I see…you show much potential." The figure spoke, "However, the further you search for the truth and your freedom…the fog will only deepen."
Suddenly, the fog completely enshrouds the entire arena and the mysterious figure basically becomes invisible. I hear the sound of electricity from behind and move to the side as I dodge another lightning bolt. I swing my sword at the directing it came from, only to hit thin air. I hear and dodge a few more bolts, but, try as I might, I keep missing my target because the fog keeps growing thicker and thicker.
"People only see what they want to see…" the figure spoke, "People only believe in what they want to believe…because of these reasons, the fog only thickens."
"The hex is your deal?" I asked in frustration.
"Will we meet again? In another place besides your dreams? I look forward to it…" the voice spoke as it disappeared deeper into the fog.
"Hey! Answer…my…question…ugh…" Before I realize it, my consciousness suddenly slipped away and everything went black…
Nurse's Office, Lunchtime
The first thing I notice when I woke up, was Maddie, Apple and the others all looking at me in concern, though I think Apple was the one taking my condition the hardest.
"Raven! You're finally awake!" Apple exclaimed, "Do you have any idea how worried sick I was!?"
"Geez Apple, I was only taking a nap…" I said, 'And I dreamed about that weird foggy place again…'
"Are feeling better?" Cedar asked.
I got up and remove the ice bag from my neck, no longer feeling any pain, "Yeah, I think so." I said.
"That's good news." Maddie said, "I still can't believe that Gus tried to choke you just like that."
"Me neither." Cerise said, "That took me completely by surprise."
"He had a really scary look in his eyes; he looked like he actually wanted to murder her!" Briar said, feeling a chill down her spine.
I shook my head, "I'd…rather not remember it, please."
"Agreed, we should leave this to the staff." Cedar said, "Besides, it's lunch time."
"Yeah, let's go." Cerise said.
Maddie and Apple helped me get off the bed, as we walk out of the nurse's office. When we step out, I see other students looking at me, either in concern, or giggling at me for my "misfortune". I try to ignore the latter as we head into the castleteria. Apple however, got called by Headmaster Grimm to come to his office to discuss something with him. Though reluctant to leave me alone, she obeyed and left, saying she would join us latter. I sighed as me and the rest headed down for lunch.
Castleteria, Lunchtime
I try to enjoy my lunch, but it's really hard to avoid all the gazes being thrown at me because of…THAT incident. I mean, I understand why Gus attacked me, but even though I never liked him or his cousin, I don't believe Helga deserved to die like that. Who in the world would want to murder her that much? Ugh, I'm losing my mind here…I just focus on the food and eat.
"Hey Raven, don't worry, we're right here for you." Maddie said trying to console me, "I might know something that might get your mind off of this."
"Oh really? What's that Maddie?" I asked her.
Before Maddie was about to say it, the doors opened, and into the castleteria came in…huh? A rather odd group of kids around the same age as us, except…the way they are dressed and such, they don't like they are from any kingdom I know of. Everyone else in the castleteria noticed the newcomers and they were just as surprised as I was to see them.
There were four boys and five girls. The girls were rather cute in appearance, one had short brown hair, another had long black hair tied in a bun, one had long auburn hair, one had short blue hair and the last and the youngest of them had long brown hair. As for the boys, they were quite handsome, one had short black hair and wore glasses, another one had spiky blonde hair, one had orange spiky hair and the last one had neat silver hair and, my Grimm, out of all of the boys in that group, he's the handsomest. I don't know why, but he just has this presence that just makes any girl feel attracted to him. I look around and I notice that many of the girls were fawning over him, as well as the others, and the guys, especially Daring looked at them with jealousy. Of course I also noticed some of the boys fawning over the girls. The group just stood there, unsure of what to make out of the situation they were in, until the little girl in the group decided to step forward and speak up.
"Hi everyone! I am Nanako Dojima! My Big Bro, my friends and I have just joined this school!" she said with probably the most angelic tone and expression I've ever seen. "Pleased to meet you all!"
I hear everyone gasp and whisper to each other, after the little girl known as "Nanako" introduced herself. "Aw, she's so cute!" Briar commented in a whisper, "Is she a princess?" Lizzie Hearts, daughter of the Queen of Hearts, asked in a whisper, "Maybe she's a prodigy!" Ashlynn Ella, daughter of Cinderella, whispered back.
Everyone's whispering about how adorable Nanako is and honestly, I can see why. I mean, she's so cute. And I'm surprised to see her walking up toward the table where I'm sitting with Maddie, Cedar and Cerise. I looked at the group that came with her, and they all looked surprised at how everyone was talking about Nanako.
"Wow! Suddenly she's become so popular!" the girl with the short brown hair commented.
"Big Bro!" Nanako gestured to the silver haired boy, "Come sit here!"
I was nervous, but at the same time eager to meet this Nanako as she sat next to me, much to the other student's surprise at her for daring to sit next to me. I noticed the silver-haired boy smiling warmly as he walked up to our table, followed by the rest of the group.
"I might as well introduce myself." The silver-haired young man said, "I'm Yu Narukami. Nanako and I are actually cousins, but we're more like siblings than cousins, hence why she calls me 'Big Bro'."
I swear I had a chill down my spine when I noticed Gus was watching and was glaring at both Yu and Nanako. I'm glad that he's not glaring at me at the moment, but I can't be too careful.
The orange haired boy spoke next, "Yo, what's up? I'm Yosuke Hanamura!"
"I'm Chie Satonaka, nice to meet you all!" the short haired girl introduced herself.
"I'm Yukiko Amagi, I'm very pleased to meet you all!" the black-hair girl spoke up.
" 'Sup? The name's Kanji Tatsumi." The glasses wearing young man said.
"I'm Rise Kujikawa. It's nice to meet you all." The auburn haired girl greeted in a cheerful tone.
"I'm Naoto Shirogane. A pleasure to meet you all." The blue-haired girl greeted in a calm tone.
"And I'm Teddie!" the blonde-haired boy greeted in a cheerful way.
"I'm Madeline Hatter and I give you a welcome full of MADNESSS to Ever After High, Nanako, Yu, Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Naoto and Teddie!" Maddie greeted all of them in her usual cheerful way, offering them some tea as a welcome gift.
"I'm Cerise Hood, nice to meet you all, transfer students." Cerise greeted them with a smile.
"Hi, I'm Cedar Wood and, uh…nice to see some new faces around here." Cedar greeted them while smiling.
The rest of the students gathered around as they were hexited to meet the new transfer students. Some of the male students were more focusing on Naoto and her rather masculine attitude, despite being a girl, "Are you the descendent to Mulan?" asked Hopper Croakington the Second, the son of the Frog Prince.
"Uh?" Naoto gave Hopper a weird look.
"What are you talking about Hopper? If anyone looks more like Mulan it's that Yukiko girl!" Humphrey Dumpty, son of the ill-fated Humpty Dumpty said.
"Huh?" Yukiko looked confused.
While the students are busy fawning over the new transfer students, I notice Nanako and Yu manage to crawl out of it and join me and Maddie, who offered each of them a cup of tea, "Tea?" she asked.
"Sure!" Nanako happily accepted the tea, and so did Yu.
Yu looked at me and asked, "What's your name?"
"Oh, um…" I stumbled a bit nervously. Come on Raven, get a grip! I take a deep breath and answer, "I'm Raven Queen. Um, welcome to…Ever After High…yeah."
Well, so much for a first impression. I think I just made a dork of myself, but when I look at Yu and Nanako's faces, it seems they didn't care and just smiled. Yu was looking at me with a look of concern all of a sudden, "Uh, what is it?" I asked him.
"Your neck…" Yu said.
"My neck?" I asked as I touched it with my hand and felt something on it…like a scar. Oh crap! Gus strangled me harder than I thought he did, I thought to myself.
"I don't mean to intrude on your personal affairs, but we heard some kids gossiping about a "Raven Queen" getting assaulted, and then I noticed that scar on your neck." Yu explained.
"Oh…" I said as I looked away from them, wishing I could just hide the scar.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." Yu apologized.
"No, it's okay…I don't blame you." I said, looking back to them, "But I'd rather not talk about it."
Yu nodded, "That's fine, if you don't want to talk about it, then I won't force you to."
"Thanks." I said.
"Okay, I've been meaning to ask you guys, but which kingdom are you from?" Cerise finally asked them, something I've also been meaning to ask, and probably so did everyone else.
"Yeah, where did you guys come from?" Briar asked in agreement.
"We're from Inaba!" Nanako replied.
"Huh!?" Everyone, including myself reacted in surprise and confusion.
"Inaba? Never heard of it!" Humphery said.
"Maybe it's from Wonderland, right Maddie?" asked Hunter Huntsman, son of the Huntsman.
"Nope! There is no kingdom called "Inaba" in Wonderland." Maddie replied, "It's probably from another world that neither of us heard of."
"We came in here through a magic mirror." Nanako said.
Everyone looked uneasy after hearing that. Yu and the others looked like as if Nanako had said something she shouldn't while Nanako looked confused, so I asked, "A magic mirror that can teleport you into different places?"
Yu and the others looked surprised by this, "How do you...?"
"Don't worry about it." I said as I smiled, "I have to go through a magic mirror to get to Ever After High except I have to use a spell."
"Oh." Yu said.
Nanako replied, "We didn't know that..."
After getting to know the transfer students, everyone decided to mind their own business, but it seems that Daring and a few others don't like it when they were sitting next to me. They jumped to the conclusion that they were terrible influence, but some ignored it like it's nothing. Blondie Locks, daughter of Goldilocks, looked at them and whispered to them, "Looks like Daring just found some rivals..."
"What?" asked Duchess Swan, daughter of the Swan Princess, "Nobody looks as charming as Daring!"
"Well, look again!" said Briar as she pointed out to Yu and the other guys.
Hopper, Dexter, and Humphrey looked at Yu and then they compared him to themselves and Daring. Daring overheard the girls murmuring about the transfer students as he compared himself to them, but tried to shine. It's odd that some girls giggled in delight to see Yu and the new guys.
"Look it's Apple White!" shouted one male student as every guy dropped everything they were doing to greet Apple White, who just came into the castleteria.
Hex…there they go again. Every time Apple White makes her grand entrance, every guy in the room start flocking toward her and fawn over her like she's some kind of goddess. I shook my head in disbelief as I decided to just ignore it and eat my food.
"Who is that?" Rise asked looking at Apple.
That question made everyone, or rather ALMOST everyone, to gasp in shock when the transfer students didn't know who Apple White is. I saw Blondie rushing into the crowd and pulled Apple toward our table.
"Apple, we've got some transfer students who joined our school today!" Blondie told her.
Apple looked at the transfer students and gasped in surprise and delight, "Oh my, I do so love meeting new faces!" Apple said happily, "I am Apple White, pleased to meet you all."
"Pleased to meet you too, Apple White." Yu greeted back, followed by his friends.
However, I noticed something about their expression. They were smiling, but their eyes said otherwise. Normally most guys would be mesmerized by Apple's beauty and bow before her like she's some kind of deity, but I can already tell they don't count as "most guys". Nanako looked like she was trying to smile, but was struggling to. She must not feel comfortable around Apple for some reason, even though they just met.
"I'm Nanako Dojima…" Nanako introduced herself to Apple.
"Aw, aren't you just adorable? I'm pleased to meet you Nanako, I hope we can get along and that you enjoy your stay here at Ever After High." Apple said, and then turned to Yu and the others, "Oh and that goes for the rest of you too."
"Thank you for your consideration Apple White, we truly appreciate it." Yu said, trying to be polite, except there was a hint of sarcasm in his tone, but Apple seemed to have failed to notice it. Despite the tension, he remained calm as he and the rest introduced themselves to Apple. After all was said and done, Apple finally decided to leave us alone as everyone returned to their own business.
"So, as I was going to say earlier and speaking of magic mirrors, have any of you heard of the Midnight Reflection?" Maddie asked.
I jumped a bit, after hearing Maddie say "Midnight Reflection". I then remembered the students gossiping about it and how it worked. Normally I ignore such rumors, but for some reason it just stuck to my head. I notice Yu and the rest and they all looked like they heard about it before, though I didn't question them out loud. I remain silent and see how it plays out as Cerise groaned in annoyance.
"Maddie, that's just a stupid rumor." Cerise said.
"But I heard that people have actually tried it out and it worked!" Maddie insisted.
"Excuse me, could you please explain what this "Midnight Reflection" is about?" Naoto asked in curiosity, but I could tell she was actually pretending she didn't know about it.
"Well, it goes like this, on a rainy night, if you stare at a turned off mirrorpad at midnight, it will turn on by itself and reveal who your soulmate is!" Maddie explained.
"And like I said, it's just a silly rumor." Cerise said.
"Oh, I don't know Cerise, I heard someone say that he actually tried it out and that he saw something on it." Cedar said, "He said he saw a silhouette that resembled Helga Crumb, but there was more…she looked like she was in pain and was running away from something, but got cornered and the attacker jumped on her, only for the screen to turn off."
THAT'S the exact same conversation Maddie, Apple, Briar and I heard just moments before Gus attacked me! But is it really connected to Helga's murder? I sigh to myself as I didn't have any evidence to back up the student's testimony.
"It sounds more like that guy had a nightmare." Cerise said.
"Can you please not bring that up? You're scaring everyone!" Apple called out from across the castleteria.
"You guys don't believe me, do you?" Maddie asked with a pouty face.
"We believe you." Yu said, along with the others.
"You do?" Maddie asked them, while Cerise and Cedar looked surprised. I looked surprised as well.
"Yeah, something similar happened back in our world." Chie said.
"Except it…" Yosuke suddenly paused for a moment, "No, never mind."
"Aw come on, tell us!" Maddie insisted.
Yosuke sighed, "I'll tell you after you see it for yourself." Yosuke said.
"Ok!" Maddie replied, before she pulled out her mirrorpad and looked at the weather forecast, "And would you look at that! It says here that it's going to rain tonight!"
"Wait! You're actually doing this?" Cerise asked.
"Of course, silly billy!" Maddie said, "How about we make a bet? Let's all watch it with our mirrorpads tonight and once you see that it's real, you'll have to help out at my dad's tea shop for a week for doubting me!"
Cerise grumbled under her breath, "Fine! But if it turns out to be fake, you'll have to do a hundred laps around the school once every day for a week!"
"Deal!" Maddie agreed and turned to Cedar, Yu and his friends, and me, "What about you guys? Are you in?"
"I, uh, guess I could try it out myself." Cedar said.
"Count us in." Yu said, while Yosuke and the rest nodded in agreement.
Maddie then turned to me, "What about you Raven, are you in too?"
"I, uh…" I hesitated for a moment there. A part of me is telling me that it's a waste of time, but the other part is telling me to try it out. I usually ignore these kinds of rumors, and yet I am curious about this one. I just don't know why, but it's true. I look at Maddie and the others, all expecting me to reply. I took a deep breath as I made up my mind and answered, "I'm in."
"Great, then it's settled!" Maddie said happily, "Oh, one more thing: you have to watch this while you are alone in the room in order for it to work!"
"Got it." I said along with everyone else.
With our deal set in stone, we resume our lunch peacefully. While I'm enjoying my lunch, I look at my left and notice Yu and the others were whispering something to each other. Something among the lines includes feelings of déjà vu and a repeat of last year's case, or something. I remember Chie saying that a similar thing to this "Midnight Reflection" also happened in their world. Could it have something to do with that? I decide to leave it be for the moment and just finish my lunch before the bell rings. Once the bell starts ringing, we all take our trays and leave it at the disposal area and each of us head to each of our classes.
My next class: Witchness Management
"Joy…" I uttered sarcastically.
Mad Hatter's Tea Shop, After School
Classes were over and I just spent the day hanging out with Maddie at her dad's tea shop. Cerise and Cedar have also joined us. Apple and Briar joined us later on, followed by a few others. Apple aside, I had fun helping out Maddie. By the time the sun was setting, it was time to return to our dorms and rest for the night.
Hallway, Evening
Along the way, I ran into the transfer students, except Nanako wasn't with them. I guess she already left to her own dorm? I decide not to question it as I greeted them, "Hey. Getting used to your new school?"
"Hey Raven." Yosuke greeted, "Yeah, we were just looking around the school, getting used to our new surroundings."
"And we got our schedules for our classes." Yukiko said, "Our own classes will start tomorrow."
"Cool." I said. I then remembered something I need to ask them, "Um, can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, what is it?" Chie asked.
"You mentioned a similar rumor to the Midnight Reflection happened in your world too." I said, "Just out of curiosity, what did you mean by that?"
Yu and the others looked at each other, as if wondering about telling me or not, "Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have asked." I said.
"It's fine." Yu said, "As for the rumor in our world, we called it the Midnight Channel."
"Midnight Channel?" I asked.
"On rainy nights, if you stare into a blank TV screen, alone, until midnight, it will turn on by itself and reveal your soulmate." Chie explained.
"Except the person you saw wasn't your soulmate." Yosuke said seriously.
"Huh?" I looked at them, "What do you mean?"
"The person you see on the Midnight Channel is in reality…the next victim who is going to die." Naoto said.
"What?!" I nearly screamed, "How?"
"I know it sounds strange, but maybe it's best if you went ahead and tried it out yourself." Yu said, "If this Midnight Reflection is anything like the Midnight Channel, we fear that the next person who shows up on it will eventually be killed."
"O…kay?" I looked at them skeptically.
"We understand if you don't believe us, nobody would believe in us if we just simply told them without proof, but it's true." Rise said, "Personally, I just hope no one shows up."
"Well, I'm hoping that it's really all just a silly rumor and nothing more." I said, "But if you guys are going to try it out yourselves, how will you do it if you don't have mirrorpads?"
"Oh no worries, we've already got it covered." Rise said.
Then each one of them pulled out a mirrorpad of their own, much to my surprise.
"Our classes won't start until tomorrow, so we had the time to explore the school and the village as well." Yosuke said, "Two guys named Dexter and Humphery showed us around, and they happened to buy us some mirrorpads for each of us. They even got one for Nanako."
"Really?" I asked with a smile, seeing how Dexter was generous enough to help out the transfer students getting to know their new surroundings, not to mention buy each of them their own mirrorpad.
"But enough about the Midnight Reflection and stuff, let's talk about something else, like getting to know each other!" Rise said.
"Yeah Raven-chan! Tell us about yourself!" Teddie said.
"Raven-chan?" I asked puzzled at the "chan" part, but decided to shrug it off, "Never mind, sure, I guess I can tell you a bit about myself and I'd like to learn more about you guys and where you are from."
"Great, let's go!" Chie said.
As we made our way to the dorm; me and the new transfer students, Yu, Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Teddie and Naoto talked about ourselves. I told them that I was the daughter of the Evil Queen from the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and that I was destined to be the next "Evil Queen" in mine and Apple's story, whom I told them she was Snow White's daughter. I also told them how much I hated being the next Evil Queen, because not only it would make me the most hated person on Ever After, but I was already being bullied, rejected and feared by many, just because I was the Evil Queen's daughter. Teddie asked me how could anyone think that such a cute and beautiful girl like me be hated by many like that. I didn't know whether to feel flattered or annoyed, until Yosuke pulled him back and apologized for him. When they asked me about the whole, "destined to be the next Evil Queen" part, I told them about the tradition of Ever After and how the offspring of every Fairy Tale figure was destined to followed the same destiny as them from the day I was born. For example, me, being the daughter of the Evil Queen, I was destined to the next; Maddie, who was the daughter of the Mad Hatter of Wonderland, was destined to be the next one herself; Cedar Wood, the daughter of Pinocchio, was destined to be the next Pinocchio; and of course, there was Apple White, who was destined to be the next Snow White, because she was her daughter. And so on…
Yu and the others listened in and they came to the conclusion that almost sounded unfair and actually showing me sympathy for being forced to follow a destiny I didn't want to follow. I was touched to say the least, even though I didn't show it. But yeah, I don't want to be the next Evil Queen, I want to be…something else. I don't know what yet, but I'll think of something.
After we were done talking about myself, Yu and the rest told me a bit about themselves.
Yu, who was the leader of the group, was a transfer student who attended their school during the second year, because his parents were working overseas and came to live with his uncle and cousin. He told me that before coming to Inaba, he used to live in another kingdom called "Tokyo" and was so busy with his school work and formalities that he didn't have enough time for socializing with them. When he moved to Inaba, he heard about the Midnight Channel rumor from his new friends and they all worked together to solve the case behind the mysterious murders that were related to it. From my perspective, he's a calm, composed, intelligent and quite handsome young man, and all the ladies love him. The perfect rival for Daring Charming.
Yosuke was the brains of the group and as such, he was Yu's partner on solving the cases. He told me that his father is the manager of "Junes", a big shopping mall, which is like a small town made up of various shops. Like Yu, he was a transfer student from his old school, except he came six months before Yu did. I terms of personality, at least in my opinion, he's smart, funny and a bit of a clown himself, but at least his heart is in the right place and is eager to help out those in need.
Chie is, in short, a non-damsel in distress. She's a tomboy who enjoying Kung Fu, which according to her, it is a fighting style from their world. She says she wants to become a "knight" in her world and protect those in need. A hotheaded and impulsive, but always with the best of intentions and a good friend to have. Yukiko, Chie's BFFA, is the daughter of a family who runs a place called the Amagi Inn, a small place where tourists come to spend a few nights and enjoy their services. She says she's training to become the next manager and that she managed to master most of her duties…except cooking. She says she's trying to overcome that weakness with everything she's got. A quiet, shy, but friendly and eager to help however she can.
Kanji, despite his appearance, he says that he used to be a "punk" who got into fights with "bikers" who kept his mom up all night, but ended up getting himself into trouble and got himself a nasty reputation as a result. After meeting Yu and his friends however, he changed for the best and got more friendly. I was surprised and awestruck when I learned that his favorite hobby was sewing, that his family runs a textile shop that sells handmade dolls, scarfs, "kimonos" and other stuff. He also explained that he changed his look into what it is now, to show how more mature he is now, but it seems his friends haven't really gotten used to it. He may be rough and hothead, but is also sweet, kind and caring young man, who is a professional sewer.
Rise surprised me to reveal that even though she was still in high school, she was also an idol and a celebrity back in her world. She says that she started her career at a very young age, but went on hiatus for about half an year, because she was having difficulty in figuring out what her true personality is. After meeting Yu and his friends, she came to realize all the personalities she's had during her job as an idol, were all parts of her and now, she wants to make her comeback and show the world her true, complete self. She's an energetic one, and bit mischiefious and naughty, but also a very sweet, kind and caring young woman who wants to help her friends however she can. Oh, and she's head over heels for Yu, much to Chie and the other's dismay.
Naoto, she's quite the mysterious one. Even though she's actually a girl, she acts more like a boy and even her voice sounds rather masculine. She explained that she was the current generation of the Shirogane family of "detectives". She explained that a detective was some sort of "knight", who investigates crimes, looking for clues and figure out who the culprit is. She made herself look like a boy because that was her ideal image of a detective, but after hanging out with Yu and his friends, she came to learn to embrace her feminine side and accept herself for what she is. I'm surprised that someone who was able to pass herself as a boy was able to hide her…assets. Overall, she's a calm, cool, collected individual with high intelligence and always ready to aid her friends. She and Kanji seem to have a thing for each other, but they seem to be too awkward about it.
And finally there's Teddie. He's…probably the strangest of the group as well as the biggest clown, making Yosuke look sane in comparison. He revealed that in reality, he is actually a walking bear suit in a clown outfit, who keeps a human body inside, normally using latter to blend in with other humans. When I questioned him, he explained that he comes from another "kingdom", but he said that he'd rather keep it a surprise until we watched the Midnight Reflection. But overall, he's a big goofball, who has a huge fondness for girls, only to get called a "pervert" for it. Dispite this however, he's a really nice person, bear thing.
We continued on talking to each other for a while, until it was time for us to split up and head for each of our dorm rooms. We said good night to each other, as they left and I headed back into my dorm room.
Raven and Apple's Dorm Room, Evening - Raining
Apple and I took our turns in using the bathroom and changed into our night gowns, getting ready for bed. I looked out the window and noticed that it started to rain. I just needed to pretend to go to sleep and wait for Apple to go to sleep. I needed to be careful and avoid leaving her suspicious.
"Good night Raven." Apple said as she went to bed, blowing out the candle on her side table and lay down on her bed, sleeping peacefully.
"Good night Apple." I said as I did the same, except I wasn't ready to go to sleep yet, as I pretended to.
About 10 seconds later, I could hear Apple snoring softly. I quietly got out of bed and walked into the bathroom, while carrying my mirrorpad. I close the door quietly and set my mirrorpad down on the floor as I sat down with my legs crossed. It was kind of dark, but I could surely see my own faded reflection on my mirrorpad as I stared at it, waiting for midnight.
I remembered what Yu and his friends told me and if they are right about the similarities, then the person I see appearing on this screen is the next murder victim. Just like Helga.
I hope it's all just a silly, made-up rumor and that nothing shows up, except I have a bad feeling about this. I continue to stare at the screen as the clock is about to hit midnight.
…5…4…3…2…1…
…
…
…
…nothing happened.
I giggled to myself, how silly I felt for even believing in such a silly rumor. I was about to pick up my mirrorpad when suddenly, it turned itself on as static like ripples appeared on the surface.
"What in the…!?" I gawked out loud, but not loud enough to disturb Apple.
I stared at the surface of the mirror, as the ripples died down, revealing a silhouette of a girl appeared on it. I take closer look at it, but I can't figure out who that person is. All I can tell it's that it's female, but the rest of the details are hard to make out because of the darkness and the static-like ripples.
"UGH!" Suddenly, I felt a splitting headache, as I held my head in pain.
"I am thou…"
Huh?
"…thou art I…"
What?
"…thou who opens the door…"
I heard…someone calling out to me. But I can't think straight as I have a splitting headache. Suddenly I lose balance and I try to support myself with my other hand, which landed on the mirrorpad. But instead of feeling the surface, my hand went THROUGH the mirrorpad, as if putting my own hand in water.
"What the Hex!?" I cried in shock at my bizzare. I mean, I know I went through mirrors before, but I needed a spell for that. This time, I didn't use a spell. My hand went through without the use of magic.
Suddenly, I felt someone grab my wrist and pull me in, as I cried in fear and the next thing you knew, my whole arm and head went through the mirrorpad, except I ended up getting stuck half way through it, due to the fact the mirrorpad was far too small for me to fit all the way through. I struggle to pull myself out with all my strength until I finally managed to escape my attacker's grip and I pulled myself out…and I hit the back of my head against the toilet.
"OUCH!" I cried in pain, as I rubbed the back of my head in pain.
"Raven? Are you alright?" I jumped in panic when I heard Apple's voice just outside the bathroom.
"Um…yeah?" I lied.
"Really? Because I heard a loud noise and you crying in pain." Apple's voice said.
"Um…I tripped and hit my head." I said, "I'm fine though, nothing serious. Really!"
"Well, be more careful next time, you got assaulted today, remember?" Apple said.
"Don't remind me…" I said in my thoughts, while I grumbled under my breath.
"Anyway…good night." Apple said.
"Good night." I said.
Apple's voice went silent. I assume she went back to bed. I stare at my own mirrorpad and notice that the surface on the mirror was back to normal and all I could see was my own reflection. What the hex was that all about? That was no dream was it? I mean, my arm and head just went through the mirror, nearly got eaten alive by it, though I was actually being pulled in by someone, and then I managed to pull myself out and hit my head hard on the toilet, making me cry in pain and wake up Apple, almost blowing my own cover. My head is still throbbing in pain, so, I guess that's a no.
"Just what the hex was that all about?" I asked to myself, as I shook my head, "Either way, I need to talk to Maddie, Yu and the others about this tomorrow…"
I pick up my mirrorpad and flush the toilet, to fool Apple into thinking I was using it. I do feel terrible about tricking others, and that includes Apple, but I had no choice. I leave the bathroom and went back to bed, placing my mirrorpad on my side table and went to sleep.
A/N: Whew…finally. Just so you know, this part is way longer than I expected, so I've decided to divide it into two parts, each told from Raven and Yu's POV. Anyway, R&R while I work on Yu's side of the story.