Chapter 2: Starting the Quest

I can't believe that I got so many reviews, favorites, and likes on the story so far. Thanks everyone, you're the best!

So one the last chapter, after hearing about Dexter's disappearance and of the beast existence and that it is residing in her old castle, Raven decides to go on a journey to face the beast and find out what happened to Dexter. Let's see how this plan goes with the others.

Read and enjoy!

Apple's POV

I couldn't believe my ears as I heard Raven say the most outlandish thing that I have heard in years.

"If that's the case then I am going to my own castle to find out the truth of Dexter's disappearance."

Raven going on a dangerous quest into her old castle to see what happened to Dexter? Is she mad? Truth be known, I have thought during many at times that Raven has lost her sanity. But even so all the times she dragged me into weird situations with no obvious solutions Raven always seems able to pull us out of them. But still, I don't think I can ever believe what my ears heard ever again. A damsel saving a prince in distress? It's almost unheard of!

"Raven, darling. I adore you, but a queen saving a prince? Kinda goes outside the story, don't you think," I try to tell Raven, being the first of the others to talk some sense into her. Raven just shakes her head and gives me an all-knowing smile.

"Apple, don't you remember. I'm writing my own destiny now. And if my new destiny means saving a friend no matter the odds or no matter the sacrifices, then I'll do it no matter what," Raven says proudly. I am still unsure about it, but I give Raven a nod in support.

"Raven, though knowing that you saving my little brother from a foul beast is the right thing to do, maybe you should let the professionals do it. Professionals like me," Daring says, flashing Raven an eye-blinding smile. Raven blinks and rubs her eyes to get rid of the flashes. Lizzie then comes up and hugs Daring's arm.

"What Daring means, Raven, is that you shouldn't go alone, all by yourself, when you're facing the beast. At least let us, your friends, assist you in solving this mystery," Lizzie says. It appears that Lizzie's temperament has calmed down over the years, but I still think that she would probably order "off with there head" in a game of Wonderlandian croquet if someone was doing something incorrectly.

"Lizzie, though I appreciate the offer, I feel as if I really should be doing this on my own," Raven replies. "Besides Daring, if your chances of finding out the truth by going to my old castle and getting out alive are just as good as mine, then what's the worry with that?"

Daring rubs the back of his head and gives a sheepish smirk, before pretending to be very interested in the mirror on the wall next to him. Then the pretending to be interested in the mirror's reflection becomes real, as Daring begins grooming himself while staring at his reflection.

"At least let us aid you in getting there," Darling insists. Darling is one of the few princesses that can actually fight and win with the sword. Since she has two older brothers it means that she has to put up with them and there testosterone all her life. So she took up sword-fighting to come up to their level. If Raven needs anyone on the battlefield then Darling is one to call. She agrees.

"I thank you for your kind offer. I think it's best they we leave immediately. If Dexter is still alive and being held hostage by this beast then we had better hurry to save him," Raven says. Rosabella comes up to.

"I can help as well. My father was the beast from the story Beauty and the beast, so I definitely know about the beast's behavior patterns and what it's capable off," she say. Her brown hair falls in curls over her head and shoulder. She has several rose markings on her golden shirt and skirt. Speaking of roses, I should call Briar soon. I bet she be very thrilled to hear that Raven is free and going on a dangerous quest.

"Thank you all for your support. I'm sure we'll be able to find Dexter much quicker now with everyone helping," Raven says.

Raven's POV

Daring has graciously given us horses to ride as we go through the deep, dark forest towards my castle. My home is placed in a hard to reach spot. It is basically set upon a craggy cliff overlooking the sea. Further inland you get the forest where we are riding in on horses on. I remember how hard it was to get from here to Ever After when I was still in school. We had to used a Travel Mirror to transport from here to there. Not the most convenient travel option, but it's not like there were many others to choose from.

The forest is so thick that we have to use fairy lights to see ahead. The canopy merges together, blocking out the sun and allowing darkness to mask our way. The trees are also covered with some thorns and long skinny arm-like branches, causing some alarm whenever wind blow through them. The only ones brave enough to go with me were Daring, Darling and Rosabella. Apple, Lizzie and Humphrey stayed behind, but gave me items to help me out.

Humphrey gave me is old bicycle helmet, just in case he said. Lizzie gave me her replica vorpal sword-themed butter knife, saying if I ever encountered the beast I could use it to 'off with its head'. Apple packed me some food for the journey and gave me some excellent advice. I feel so lucky to have friends that support you no matter what.

As we rode through the forest, I had a 'little' debate with Daring on who should lead the mission. He said he should lead since he is obviously the damsel-saving prince who slays the fearsome monsters and dragons. I rebutted his argument by saving it was Dexter who we were trying to find, not a damsel in distress, and that I knew the way to my old castle better than anyone so he should pipe down and let me lead. He finally grudgingly complied and assumed the right flank with his steed.

We soon came into a clearing with a cobblestone path leading to my mother's castle. It stands perfectly on the cliff, menacingly looking down on us. I'll admit, the Evil Queen's castle has to be scary looking, but at least they should add some cheery aspects to make it look somewhat welcoming. When I move back into this place that is going to be one of the first things I do.

We stop our horses and get off them in front of the towering iron gates separating the castle from intruders. The iron casting bars resemble gargoyles or some other fearsome demon baring its teeth at us. I never really liked going outside as a kid for the statues and flora freaked me out. I walked up to the front of the gate, feeling the steel grey metal bars. A bruise-color purple and black lock seals the gate tightly.

"We had trouble getting passed this last time so we just climbed the wall. It sure would help if we could open them," Daring says, looking at the gate. I step back and stare directly at the front of the gate. I then reach out my right arm and point at the lock.

"I am Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen and the Good King, and I demand you to open," I say in a commanding voice. I feel energy surge through me, gathering at the tip of my fingers. A purple glow appears before condensing into a violet-colored blast that shoots out right towards the lock. The lock cracks, breaks open, and disintegrates and the iron gates open. My friends gaze in awe as I just stand there, arm still stretched out, wondering how in the world did I do that.

Finally Darling speaks up. "Whoa Raven. I never knew you had that much magic abilities. Where did you learn to cast magic spells like that," she says.

"I-I don't know. I guess I've always had the power, but never knew how to control it," I reply, still stunned. Daring comes up and hesitantly puts a hand on my shoulder.

"Yes, well, I think it would be best to limit your use of spells on this mission until you know for certain that they can do what you want and not like that spell that you cast on me in Ever After High that covered me in smelly, black slime," Daring says, cringing at the memory of it. I giggle at the same thing he's thinking of.

During my time at Ever After High, before Legacy Day where I denied my destiny in front of the whole school, Milton Grimm, the headmaster, and Professor Poppa Bear had taken the entire class out to receive our animal companions, pets if you will. Apple had received her silver snow fox, Gala, and I had received my own pet dragon, Nevermore. However Daring had perceived Nevermore as a dragon that was going to attack us all instead of my pet so he ran in to save us from the 'danger'. However I tried to cast a stopping spell to stop him from hurting her, but, naturally, it backfired and Daring was covered in black sludge. When he got cleaned up by the help of Apple's animal friends his hair was a bit dingy grey, his sweater jacket was totally ruined, and his ego was totally smashed. At least he never bothered Nevermore again.

All three of us girls laugh as he remembered that day.

"Oh yeah. Dexter says afterwards that you raced into the wash racks and took a three hour shower," Darling says, laughing at the misfortune of her brother.

"Did he really," I asked Darling.

"Yes he did. Darling told me afterwards. You know the rest of us students had to take freezing cold showers because you used up all the hot water in the castle Daring. Including me," Rosabella says to Daring. He cringes even more under her glare.

"Well in my defense, my favorite sweater jacket was totally ruined that day! My favorite one," he cries out dramatically, pretending to cry over the lost of his upper clothing choice. Darling scoffs at him.

"Oh please bro. You have like seventy other sweater jackets just like it," she says. Daring looks up at her and frowns.

"That's not true" he says, pointing his finger at her. "For you information, I have seventy-four sweater jackets and not all of them are the same" he says, crossing his arms and pointing his nose up smugly. We just laugh some more.

"Yeah along with your twenty thousand other pieces of clothing" Darling teases. Daring just turns his back to us.

I turn back to the open gate and look onward to my old home. I shut my eyes as I remember all the memories I've had of living in there. Ogres, goblins, trolls, bats and bone rats all made up a part of living in this castle They each served some purpose as the Evil Queen's minions. I remember having very few of those dark creatures as close friends as a young girl.

Then I think to myself: What will the others react to going inside with me into my parent's castle? Though I admit there going into it the first time was pretty chivalrous of them, but what about the second time? They said they barely made it out this time. What if they don't the second time around? As those thoughts roil around in my head I finally come up with a decision that's final.

I turn to my friends. Now Darling and Rosabella are ganging up on Daring as they swap teasing words. My approach makes them stop their playful banter and look at me.

"Hey everyone. I think that you best let me continue this mission while you return home," I say, kinda regretting it. They all look at me with disbelief in their eyes, their jaws hanging down.

"What do you mean let you go on this mission without us to back you up? We're your friends Raven. We should be able to come in and back you up," Darling protests. I lift up my hand to silence her. They back away a few step from me, afraid I'm going to cast another spell. Noticing this I put my hand down.

"Look, I appreciate you coming out here to help me on my quest. But I think it's best you guys go back home and let me continue it. We don't know up what we're up against. Maybe the beast isn't the one responsible for Dexter's disappearance and is just scared so he attacks without getting the facts straight. I think maybe if I see if I can confront the beast I may be able to get something useful out of him. But I think it's best if we only do one person going to see the beast, to not make him feel overwhelmed and stressed so he attack us," I explain to them.

They look at each other skeptically, but then the logic seeps into their brains. They nod and move back to their horses, handing me the supplies I need for this mission. They mount and Daring brings his horse over to me.

"Are you sure you'll be alright. If you like I could stay behind and.."

"I appreciate the offer Daring, but I really rather do this on my own," I cut him off. Defeated, he sighs and catches up to the others.

"Good luck," they cry out and wave to me, before heading back the same way we came. I hope they remember the way back.

I mount my own horse and we start heading towards my own castle with the beast inside it.

My heart thumps in my chest as I dismount my horse and tie it's bridles to a post. I stand in front of my old home, standing majestic and tall over everything else. I walk towards the front door, the handles magically turning as I touch them, the doors swinging open with violet sparkly magic.

I step into the dark room, barely lit by a few candles on the wall. The air in here is frigid from lack of fires running in the castle rooms. I walk further in towards the front hall and staircase, the doors creaking behind me as they shut. The purple curtains on the windows only let in a thin stream of light, barely enough to make the room easy to see aside from the candles. The purple rug and the deep indigo floor tiles were only slightly illuminated with the light in this room.

But this is not what makes my fear juices flowing. Oh no, I practically grew up this environment of darkness, only going out to see the sun when my mother was not around. No, what gets me going in the knowledge of a ferocious beast who stole my crush is lurking somewhere around this very place. It almost makes me mad that a beast has taken refuge in here without any permission whatsoever-after. Not from me, not from any of the servants or guards here, not from my parents.

I stop at the thought of my parents. The Good King and the Evil Queen. After I was born they had split time with me, half the week with my dad and the rest with my mother. They had never really gotten along with each other. They had even split the castle in two, right down the middle. One side for dad and one side for mom. It was really quite depressing living with them like that I can't even remember the last time I saw them together. Come to think of it, I haven't seen them in years. Has my time in Mirror Jail for my crimes left them to shrivel away, finally taking their last breath during when I was gone. Are they both...gone?

I shut my eyes tightly at the thought. "No, they have to be still alive? They just have to be! No matter how long it takes, I will find them. And Dexter too. Then we can all be happy and live Happily Ever After," I think. I here a small thump nearby and I turn to look at it, taking my fairy light out of me backpack. It turns on and I shine the light to where the sound came from.

A small jackalope stares back, its blue eyes and milkweed brown fur coming into view. On its head is a small rack of antlers, bronze and curved. I recognize from the blue collar with the silver name tag it's wearing to be Dexter's pet jackalope, Mr. Cottonhorn. I sit down next to it, motioning it to me with my finger. It hops over to me and jumps into my lap where I stroke his soft fur, careful to avoid his pointy antlers.

I look around the front hallway to also see Dexter's Enchanted Mirror Pad, the one he's used so many times during high school when he was working with technology or filming the Mirror Cast net. Beside it lays, 'gasp', one of his scarves! He must be here, I just know it. Why else would a beast take Dexter's stuff along with him?

I nudge Mr. Cottonhorn off and get up, brushing the shed fur off my skirt. I start to move towards the staircase in the middle of the room when a growl makes m freeze in my tracks. I search all around the room with my fairy light to see the sound's owner. All I can pick up are old pieces of furniture, suits of scary-looking armor, and gargoyles menacingly looking down from above. Shrugging it off as my imagination playing tricks on my, I continue towards the stairs. As I make my way, one of the gargoyle's eyes open, revealing deep red irises with a black slit for the pupil.

The statue creatures slinks out from its hiding place beside an actual gargoyle, spreading its wings to take off in silent flight. It eyes narrows on its prey, me, and it gets ready to pounce.

I get the strangest feeling that something's watching me and as I turn I finally see the red-eyed dragon, getting ready to pounce. Before I can react, the dragon screeches a battle cry and surges towards me at dizzying speeds. Just before I can utter a scream or cry of surprise, the creature has pinned me down to the ground, our faces meeting.

It growls in my face, making me feel intimidating. I try to look around for something that I can use to subdue the beast. As I struggle to get up and search, I see a certain marking on the dragon's hind leg. A sliver pattern of scales among all the other black scales with a green gloss in the form of a Raven. I turn my eyes up to meet the dragon's. Our eyes lock, violet to crimson red.

"Nevermore," I ask.

Chapter 2 for all you awesome people out there. I hope you all liked this chapter. For those who don't know, Mr. Cottonhorn the jackalope, Gala the snow fox, and Nevermore the dragon, are all the pets of Dexter, Apple, and Raven. They are mentioned in the Ever After High books, which I do not own. All rights go to Mattel.

So anyway, Raven is in the castle where she finds Dexter's things. But when will the beast makes its appearance? Tune in to the next chapter of this story to find out! Sincerely, v.t.7