Chapter 1: The Fateful Encounter

Over a week passed since the eclipse and meteor shower for Raven and her fellow students. Though the event was the spectacular spectacle everyone expected it be, word had gotten out of Apple's brief brush with death and Raven's rush to her aid. Most of the student's didn't know what to think of this. Why would Raven, whom had defied years upon years upon years of tradition and cast aside her destiny, save Apple? And even more so, was she the one to cause the accident?

Throughout the days since the night of the meteor shower, Raven felt like she was walking on eggshells. Though she didn't hear it, she knew her classmates were whispering behind her back, while she was met with suspicious eyes in the hallways and in the classrooms. And though no one openly accused her of anything, Raven knew that she was suspected of trying to harm Apple.

Yet the one person whom decisively spoke up for her the night of the meteor shower, wasn't talking to her

"They're just being foolish," said Maddie told Raven during the week, "foolish and paranoid and quite rude if I may add."

"Saying they're being foolish won't change their minds," said Raven, "everyone thinks I tried to Apple. Even Headmaster Grimm thinks so. Don't believe me? He talked with me the morning after the meteor shower and you know what he told me?"

"No, I don't," said Maddie, "though I bet you didn't like what he said.."

"I'll tell you what he told me," said Raven as she placed her hands on her hips, "he told me that he was proud that I was finally getting in touch with my villainy and getting back on track with my destiny, but advised caution on how I expressed my inner darkness, least I accidentally cause you too much harm and prevent either of us from fulfilling our destinies."

At that Maddie frowned, "I find it hard to believe that Headmaster Grimm would take student gossip so seriously. It's complete nonsense. 'Accidentally cause Apple too much harm.' Narggals and Blibbering Humdingers! I know you'd never do that."

"I know it too," said Raven, "and so does Apple," at that she sighed, "but she's still not talking to me."

And so here Raven was, early Friday morning, laying in bed, trying to figure out how to get Apple to talk with her. Finally, as the sky lightened towards dawn, Raven decided on the direct approach.

"Can we talk?" she asked Apple as they got ready to head down to breakfast.

"Of course we can talk," said Apple in a polite yet cold tone, "we're both capable of speech, so I see no reason why we shouldn't be able to use our voices."

"I meant can we have a conversation?" Raven asked.

"Yes, we are logical, rational people," said Apple in the same polite and cold tone.

By now Raven was getting impatient with her roommate, "I want to talk about what happened on Legacy Day."

"What's there to talk about?" Apple asked, "I signed the book and you didn't, end of discussion."

"There's still a lot to talk about," said Raven, "look, I know I hurt your feelings when I didn't sign the book, and…"

"You did more than hurt my feelings!" said Apple irately, "you destroyed any and all certainty of a Happily Ever After for not only me, but for Daring and everyone else who didn't sign the book. You doomed yourself and your Rebels! You might as well have doomed our entire world!"

"First of all," said Raven irately, "I told everyone who hadn't signed the book yet that it was their choice to not sign. But then Headmaster Grimm took that choice from everyone when he spirited the book away. Second, I had a very good reason not to sign."

"Oh yes, your fear of going 'Poof!' out of existence!" said Apple, "well, you didn't 'Poof!'"

"Because the threat of Poofing was a lie!" said Raven, "the whole Storybook of Legends and Legacy Day, it's all a lie to keep everyone confined to the same stories over and over again!"

"You mean keep everyone safe and secure!" said Apple.

"A prison by any other name is still a prison," said Raven.

At that Apple hesitated before she continued, "I'm not going to degrade myself by responding to that, I have too much to do as it is."

"Oh yes, we all know what a busy schedule the future Snow White has," said Raven irately, "learning about royalty and being the perfect princess and future monarch. You know what I've seen you doing in your free time all week? Reading, that's what," she then looked at a pile of books on Apple's bedside table, "and they're the same books you've been reading ever since we first met." She then walked over to the table and reached to pick up one of the books, "wait a second, these aren't real books, they're hollow copies."

"Don't touch them!" Apple shouted as Raven picked up one of the hollow books and took out a magazine.

"What could you be reading that you want to hide?" Raven asked as she looked at the magazine, "wait…this…this is a medical journal." She then opened the other hollow books and took out more magazines and a few real books, "these are all medical journals and books about medicine and healing."

"Well," said Apple in an embarrassed tone, "so what if they are? Even princesses are entitled to a hobby."

"Yeah, but still," said Raven as she looked at the medical books, "'Advanced First Aid,' 'Advanced Anatomy,' and these journals are all on the latest medical techniques and discoveries. You're diving into some really heavy stuff here."

"I'm still entitled to a hobby," said Apple as she picked up her magazines and books, then moved them to a nearby chest, placed the books in the chest and locked it. She then glanced at her bedside clock, "oh, look at the time, we're late for breakfast! And they're serving chocolate chip pancakes."

"Oh, those are my favorite!" said Raven with longing.

"Mine too," said Apple, "but by the time we get down to the castleteria, there won't be any left."

"Oh, I suppose that would be my fault too?" Raven asked irately, "why don't you sing for your animal friends to bring some up from the kitchen?"

"I'd ask if you could have some of your minions bring up breakfast," said Apple irately, "but I'd rather not have my pancakes soiled by goblin sweat. I could also ask if you could use magic, but I'd rather not have my breakfast explode in my mouth!"

"First of all," said Raven irately, "I'm still getting used to having minions, goblin or otherwise! Chances are, I'm going to give them a nice retirement package and send them back to their homes if I can't think of anything else. Second, my magic has been working surprisingly well the past few weeks. In fact, my magic's been getting better since Legacy Day. And you know what? I think I will summon breakfast," suddenly, she smiled as an idea occurred to her, "or I could try something special." With that she went over to her bed, knelt down, reached under her bed and pulled out a medium sized suitcase.

"What's that?" Apple asked as Raven placed the suitcase on her bed and unzipped it.

"Something I've been working on," said Raven as she took out several books from the suitcase, "these aren't dark magic tomes, not the kind my mother wanted me to read."

"Is that supposed to make me feel less nervous?" Apple asked.

"This isn't the kind of magic that will end up hurting someone," said Raven as she found the book she had been looking for, opened it and began turning the pages, "assuming I do the spell correctly."

"And just what kind of spell are you planning on using?" Apple asked cautiously.

"Something that I did use before," said Raven as she continued to page through the book, "but this kind of spell needs to be refreshed now and then, depending on how long between casting. Ah, here it is: Hyper Time."

Before Apple could ask what Hyper Time was, Raven began moving her hands, forming patters as her hands glowed dark purple, while chanting words that Apple couldn't understand.

"Hold on!" said Raven, smiling eagerly as she grabbed Apple's hand. There was a flash of purple light and then everything around Raven and Apple appeared brighter but slightly out of focus, while a rising and falling resonation could be heard.

"What did you do?" Apple asked in a serious tone.

"I accelerated us into Hyper Time," said Raven, "or 'Clocked Up.' It's a really advanced spell that allows the caster and up to two additional people to move so fast, the rest of the world is nearly frozen in place."

"We're moving that fast?" Apple asked in a cautious yet awed tone as she looked out the window, where she could see a pair of bluebirds slowly flapping their wings, as if they were crawling through the air. "How…long does it last?"

"No more than a few minutes for us," said Raven, "but only a few seconds will pass for the rest of the world."

"Then let's not waste the extra time given to us," said Apple as she smiled eagerly. With that the two of them hurried out of their dorm and down to the cafeteria. As they made their way through the halls and stairwells, they saw their teachers and fellow students slowed in time, some in mid-stride, others in mid conversation and one was in the middle of a sneeze.

Just as they reached the castleteria, the spell ended and time resumed its normal flow for the two girls. The lighting returned to normal and everyone resumed their activities.

"That…was…incredible!" said Apple as she and Raven picked up trays and got in line for breakfast, "but why did you do it? Your magic…what would have happened if something went wrong?"

"A lot could have gone wrong," said Raven, "we could have been trapped in Hyper Time, unable to interact with the normal world without causing a lot of damage."

"What does that mean?" Apple asked.

"If we had bumped into anything," said Raven, "such as a wall or a locker, the force of us moving so fast against it could have damaged it. And if we had bumped into one of our friends, they could have been seriously hurt.. And if we had been hurt while in Clocked Up…well…let's just say that something as simple as a scratch could be made much worse."

"I can't believe you would put me at such risk!" exclaimed Apple, catching the attention of Ashlynn, Briar, Maddie, Cerise and the others, "that you would put yourself at such risk! I don't know if I should feel happy that you've embracing your villainy or to be outraged!"

"At least we made it for breakfast," said Raven, "and you did call me out on my magic."

"Then why'd you do it?" Blondie asked as she held up her mirror tablet, recording the whole incident.

"I may not like being the daughter of the Evil Queen," said Raven, "I particularly don't like the idea of being the next Evil Queen, but there's one thing I'll risk bending the rules for," she then slid her tray up to be served, "and that's chocolate chip pancakes," she was then served a stack of pancakes, as well as two fried eggs, sausage links, half a grapefruit and a tall glass of orange juice.

"Well, just don't do it again," said Apple, "especially not with me," she then looked at Blondie, "and don't post this on your blog, there's been enough rumors going about with me and Raven as it is," she then addressed her fellow students, "I'm serious! I'm getting a little tired of all of you whispering behind Raven's back. She didn't try to kill me the night of the meteor shower. So please, stop it."

At that the students, whom had been giving Apple their undivided attention, all nodded, not at once that is, and went back to their breakfast.

"Wow, you can be kinda scary when you're serious," said Raven as Apple was served her breakfast, "and speaking of serious," she then indicated the table where Lizzie, Kitty and the rest of the young Wonderlanders were talking in a hushed conversation, "I don't know how I should feel about them being serious and all."

"I noticed," said Apple as she and Raven sat down at one of the tables where they were soon joined by Maddie, Cerise, Ashlynn, Briar and Blondie, "ever since the meteor shower."

"I noticed too," said Briar, while Ashlynn nodded in agreement.

"It's as if the meteor shower had a negative impression on them," said Blondie, "but I'm sure it's nothing to get worried about, probably just a phase."

"I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss it," said C.A. Cupid as she sat down next to Blondie, "some would consider a lunar eclipse and a meteor shower a double sign of ill fortune on the horizon."

"Worried that a lot of hearts will be broken?" Ashlynn asked in a concerned tone.

"On the contrary," said Cupid as she smiled warmly, "in terms of love, future things are looking quite bright. I'm no expert on fortune telling, but I'd be willing to bet that all five of you definitely have wedding bells in your future, even you, Raven Queen."

"Don't bet on me," said Raven, "I don't have time for a relationship, and besides," she then frowned and looked down, "what boy in their right mind would ever love me? Me, who's not only supposed to be the most evil of all fairytales, but also an anarchistic troublemaker?"

"I wouldn't be so eager to give up on love," said Cupid, "even the worst of villains deserve a chance to be happy," she then looked two tables over, where Dexter was eating while doing his best to ignore Daring, who was boasting to his friends. Dexter caught Cupid's eye, blushed slightly and gave a small smile.

Despite her initial crush on him, upon hearing of Dexter's feelings for Raven, Cupid vowed to help him express said feelings to Raven and to help Raven reciprocate them, assuming Cupid could get Raven's heart out of the doldrums and her head out of the sand.

"Thanks," said Raven, "but I really don't have time for a boyfriend," she looked at Apple, "where as your boyfriend and future husband, he's already picked out."

"Just because Daring's the one to wake me up," said Apple, "doesn't mean we're already married. We're all still young and have plenty of time to enjoy."

"Speaking of time," said Briar as she looked at her watch, "Apple, I'm going to have to cut our lunch date short. I've got rock-climbing and Pilates this afternoon, not to mention I've got to plan my activities for the next three months."

"But we scheduled this afternoon for ourselves weeks ago," said Apple in a disappointed tone, "today's a half day and we were supposed to have lunch at that new café in town and shop until dinner."

"We can still do lunch," said Briar, "but I finally have that cute rock climbing instructor all to myself today."

"Least you'll be having fun," said Blondie, "I've got a paper to finish up by Monday."

"Me too," said Cerise

"I've got to talk with an advertising firm," said Ashlynn, "then call my accountant and stockbroker. I'm telling you girls, owning your own business isn't all gala's and giggles."

"And no doubt Daring will be occupied," said Apple as she looked at her destined true love, whom was one again admiring his reflection, while dazzling his onlookers with his too bright teeth.

Apple sighed, then looked at Raven, "you don't have anything planned for this afternoon, do you?"

"I was hoping for some time to study my spell books some more," said Raven, "wait…oh no!"

"Oh yes!" said Apple eagerly, "you and me, Raven, we're lunching at the new café and spend the rest of the afternoon shopping!"

At that Briar, Ashlynn and Blondie, whom were all drinking either juice, milk or coffee, spat their drinks out with surprise.

"Are you nuts!?" Blondie exclaimed as she, Briar and Ashlynn hastily cleaned up their messed faces and clothes, "you want to hang out with Raven? After what she did!?"

"Why shouldn't she?" Maddie asked in between tea sips, "when the lion and the unicorn fight for the crown, how may keys to open the unlockable door?"

"In English, would you mind?" Briar asked in an annoyed tone.

"I meant that if Apple wants to hang out with her friend, then what's to stop her?" said Maddie.

"Are we even still friends?" Raven asked Apple.

At that Apple closed her eyes and took a deep breath before speaking, "I'm still mad at you for what you did, and I hope that someday, hopefully before it's too late, you'll come around and realize that we belong to the same story," she then opened her eyes and looked at Raven, "but for now, I'm willing to try and patch up our friendship, and I'll start by inviting you to lunch and an afternoon of shopping."

"That's the spirit!" said Maddie, "we can make it a tea party! Crumpets for all!"

"I really don't think this is a good idea," said Raven, "I mean, Apple, you're okay with us hanging out, and I'm guessing Briar's okay with it, and Maddie too, of course."

"Naturally," said Maddie as she poured a cupful from her faithful teapot.

"Wish I felt as optimistic as you," said Raven in a slightly depressed tone.

"Oh, don't be so glum," said Apple, "we're going to have a lovely afternoon."

"Aren't you worried about what everyone will think when they see us together?" Raven asked, "you and me, who are supposed to be mortal enemies and considering what happened on Legacy Day, I might as well be Public Enemy Number One."

"If they want to think such irrational foolishness, let them," said Apple, "as for the two of us, all things considered, friendship comes first."

"Friendship comes first," said Raven as she smiled, "I kinda like that."

Breakfast and the rest of the morning passed without incident for Raven and the others and as planned, school let out early that day. Raven, Maddie, Apple and Briar went into town and got a table at the new café, The Inkwell, where they ordered coffee and sandwiches.

"So, what did Headmaster Grimm say about the stonework on the tower?" Raven asked Apple.

"He said he'd look into it," said Apple, "that was the morning after the meteor shower and he's done nothing that I am aware of."

"That doesn't make sense," said Briar as the waiter brought over their coffee, "he's in charge of the school. You'd think he'd be anxious to have any and all repair work done as soon as possible, especially when it concerns the safety of the students."

"Yes, well," said Apple, "I'm sure he has his reasons. I'll ask him again on Monday," she then smiled eagerly, "but this afternoon is for our enjoyment," she then looked at Raven, "now, as soon as we are finish with our lunch, we will meander through the shopping district and do what girls do best."

"Waste money on useless accessories and outfits that we'll probably wear once before leaving them in the closet to gather dust?" Raven asked. She then sipped her coffee and gave a smile of surprised delight, "you know, this is really great coffee."

"And this tea is phantasmagorical!" said an amazed Maddie, "it shifts flavors from lemon to raspberry to green to black and…and…" she sipped again, "there's so many flavors I can't keep up with them!"

"I'm glad you enjoy it," said Apple, "and yes, we will peruse through the many boutiques of this fair town and buy many things, and not all accessories are useless."

"Are you sure this is necessary?" Raven asked, "I really don't need to go shopping."

"But I insist," said Apple, "everyone needs to know that I'm alright with you being my friend and that, for the moment, you bear no ill will towards me."

"Too bad there are others whom feel the opposite, princess," said an unpleasant male voice. Apple, Raven, Maddie and Briar looked and saw the tall man in the black business suit had occupied a fifth chair at the table, sipping his own cup of coffee. "While you may be the fairest of them all, there are those whom see you as an obstacle to be removed."

"That's a rather…harsh assessment," said Apple in a confused and moderately offended tone.

"Uh, who are you?" Raven asked cautiously, while Briar sat in silent bewilderment and Maddie looked at the stranger with a slightly fearful expression. "And why do you hate Apple so much? I thought that was my destiny?"

"Your destiny lies elsewhere, Raven Queen," said the man in the black business suit, "or should I call you 'Nightdancer?'"

At that Raven blinked in shock, "what? What?! How did you know that!?"

"'Nightdancer?'" Briar asked. She looked at Maddie, whom shrugged in confusion, all the while still looking at the stranger with fearful eyes.

"It's what Ophelia called me," said Raven in a slightly unsteady tone, "one of my father's retainers. Ophelia was pretty much a second mother. Nightdancer, it's a nickname she gave me when I was very young. But she's the only one who called me that!" she then stood up and pointed an accusing finger at the man in the black business suit, "how did you know she called me that!?" she exclaimed wrathfully while her finger sparked with purple magic, "what have you done to Ophelia!?"

"Absolutely nothing," said the man in the black suit as he held his hands up in a placating manner, "none of your retainers have been harmed, but my employers and I have been keeping an eye on you for some time." He then took a business card out from his pocket and placed it in the middle of the table.

Briar took the card and read it, "'Cuthbert L Snyder, Attorney at Lawlessness.'" she then looked at the man, Cuthbert L. Snyder, "'Attorney at Lawlessness?' What does that mean?"

"It means that my employers and I are into villainy," said Cuthbert as he smiled viciously as he took out two more business cards. The first had the letters O. C. in bold black ink, while the second had an embalm of a red, double-headed eagle with the letters DCD.

"My employers," said Cuthbert, "The Obsidian Council, and our allies, Dai-Shocker."

"NO!" exclaimed a terrified and outraged Maddie, "not Dai-Shocker!"

"Oh, you've heard of us, Ms. Hatter," said Cuthbert in a matter of fact tone, "good, it will help explain things."

"Maddie!" exclaimed Raven, "what's going on? What do you know about this bozo?"

"I know enough to be afraid of him," said Maddie as she poured more tea into her cup, her hands shaking slightly and she spilled some of the tea on the table, "be afraid, be very afraid."

Kitty flashed in next to Maddie, while Lizzie stepped out from behind a lamppost, "we've been waiting for something like this ever since the eclipse and meteor shower," said Lizzie, "all of us Wonderlanders, we sensed that something terrible was coming," she then held up the Ace of Spades card, "that death was approaching."

"But this," said Kitty in a grave tone, "this is worse than anything we could have imagined."

"Not in a thousands Sundays could we have anticipated Dai-Shocker," said Lizzie.

"Okay, we've established that Dai-Shocker is bad," said Raven.

"They're worse than bad, Raven," said Dexter as he, Daring and several of Daring's fellow princes and heroes, walked up to the group all armed with swords, "they're the worse of the worse. Dai-Shocker is an amalgamation of various villainous groups and tribes of monsters from across reality, gathered together with one purpose in mind; the conquest of all worlds throughout time and space."

"Well informed, Dexter Charming," said Cuthbert.

"Okay, but who's The Obsidian Council?" Raven asked. "And how did you guys know about this?"

"Our friends from Wonderland asked us to stand by for trouble," said Daring, "naturally as princes and heroes, we're all ready to act at the instant of any trouble," he then smiled, flashing his all too white teeth.

"But why would this Obsidian Council have issues with me?" Apple asked as she stood up, her eyes steeled against the wicked humor in Cuthbert's eyes.

"Oh, our issues with you are quite serious, Ms. White," said Cuthbert as he stood up and straightened his tie, "not personal issues, of course. No, this is not personal, but strictly business."

"Then what business does The Obsidian Council have with me?" Apple asked.

"Merely that your light be snuffed out," said Cuthbert, "my employers have plans for this most fantastic world of yours, Ms. White. This world, the source of all fairytales. Yes, we have big, big plans for this world. But you are not part of those plans, rather, you must be taken care of before our plans can truly begin. Therefore, it is essential that your light be snuffed out."

"In other words, The Obsidian Council wants me dead," said Apple in a calm, controlled tone.

"Indubitably," said Cuthbert, "and I've come a long way to ensure that the job gets done."

"Well, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed!" said Briar boldly, "Apple's destined to be the rightful queen of the kingdom. Her happily ever after is all but ensured! I don't know about this Obsidian Council or Dai-Shocker, but if they, and you for that matter, if you all think you can just walk into our world and say you're going to kill the daughter of Snow White, you've got another thing coming, mister!"

"And Raven's destined to make sure that Apple achieves her destiny," said Daring.

At that something inside Raven snapped. She then glared wrathfully at Daring, "will you shut the hell up about destiny!?" she then shouted to everyone, "all of you! Stop this crap with destiny! It's all I seem to be hearing at school! Destiny this and fate that! I'm sick and tired of everyone telling me that I have no control over my life. Well, I do have control over my life! I made my choice when I ripped my page out of The Storybook of Legends and I'll stand by that decision to the living end!"

"Ah, but what you fail to realize, Nightdancer," said Cuthbert, "is that you truly have no control over your life. You have a destiny greater than anything this world could offer."

"Oh really?" Raven asked, "and what's that?"

"I'm afraid that I'm not authorized to disclose that information," said Cuthbert, "but all will be revealed once you take leave of this world and come to mine," he held out his hand, "come with me, Nightdancer. There's nothing for you except for a future of scorn and repulsion from everyone around you."

"But she can't leave!" said Briar, "Raven has to poison Apple!"

"How can she poison Ms. White if she isn't here?" Cuthbert asked, "and honestly, do you think a girl with her potential in the dark arts would be satisfied with just playing a role in a story? That she wouldn't hesitate to invade and conquer other stories like her dear mother?"

"She wouldn't do that!" exclaimed Apple, "Raven isn't as wicked as her mother was!"

"She's certainly no megalomaniac," said Daring, "I'll give her that much."

But Raven remembered what The Storybook of Legends showed her, on how she would become the villain to end all villains, how she would invade other fairytale realms and take over, surpassing her mother in sheer villainy, but worst of all, becoming a creature with only hate, vanity and anger in her heart, with not even a speck of love.

"You'd be surprised what I'm capable," said Raven in a depressed tone, "surprised and afraid, just like I am."

"Don't listen to him, Raven!" Dexter shouted, "he's evil! More evil than your mother!"

"The old Evil Queen is but a fly in the ointment compared to what Raven will accomplish when she accepts her true destiny," said Cuthbert as he looked at Raven, "and it will be yours, Nightdancer, if you come with me," he held out his hand, "well?"

At that Raven irately crossed her arms and glared at Cuthbert, "go back to whatever hellhole you crawled out of. And tell The Obsidian Council and Dai-Shocker that they can go to hell too!"

"You go, Raven!" cheered Maddie.

"As you can see, Mr. Snyder," said Apple as she smiled confident, "we fairytale characters aren't partial to being intimidated by bullies. So, while you still can, leave our world and never return."

At that Cuthbert smiled viciously, "I was hoping you'd make this difficult, Ms. White. While it's not personal for The Obsidian Council, I, on the other hand, am going to enjoy watching you suffer before you die."

Just then there was a shriek of terror from down the street. Raven and the others looked and saw over a dozen creatures that seemed to have crawled out of a nightmare. They were green, lurching bipedal insects with armored shells and two long claws on the right limb. The creatures moved with a shuffling malice, emitting croaking clicks in an utterly inhumane tone, adding to the creature's overall appearance of having no regard for innocent life.

"What…what are those things!?" a horrified Briar asked.

"Worms," said Cuthbert smugly as the creatures shuffled towards Raven, Apple and the others, "quite ruthless, aren't they?"

"That doesn't explain what they are," said Raven.

"I'll tell you what they are," said Daring as he brandished his sword, "they're history! Come on, guys!" he said to his fellow heroes and princes, "let's show these bug things that they're not welcome on our world!" At that the boys shouted with righteous fury and they, lead by Daring, rushed at the Worms.

"Wait! Don't!" shouted Dexter, but his warning came too late. Before the various heroes and princes could even swing a sword, the shuffling creatures attacked first, disarming the boys with their claws and knocking them out with one hit strikes. Within seconds, only Daring was still standing.

"I…I…" he stammered as six Worms surrounded him.

"I'd quit while you're still conscious, Mr. Charming," said Cuthbert, "but that's my opinion."

"No!" Daring shouted, "I won't abandon Apple to you and your horrible minions!"

"Oh, they're not my minions," said Cuthbert, "nor are they the minions of The Obsidian Council. No, The Worms, specifically these Worms and the others already on this world are the property of Dai-Shocker. It's complicated and I won't bore you with the details. Regardless, you're outmatched, kido, so I'll say it again; quit while you're still conscious."

"Just get out of there, Daring!" said Apple, "I don't want you or anyone else getting hurt for me!"

"I won't let them kill you!" said Daring again. He then rushed at one of the Worms, but was disarmed and knocked unconscious before he took two steps.

"Well, you got points for trying, kido," said Cuthbert, he then looked at Apple, "it seems that your would-be protectors aren't as heroic as they see themselves," he then looked at Dexter, "unless you want to try and emulate your brother."

At that Dexter dropped his sword, but instead of walking away, he walked towards Apple, Raven, Maddie and Briar, "I'm not trying to be a hero, but I'm not going to run for it either. If you want to hurt Apple and abduct Raven, you'll have to go through me first!"

"Don't forget us!" said Maddie boldly, while Kitty and Lizzie, also stood in front of Apple and the others, "why run when you can fight? And as the Walrus said to the Carpenter; 'The Time Has Come!'"

"Indeed it has," said Cuthbert. He then looked at the Worms, "kill Apple and bring me Raven. The others…have your way with them, but don't kill all of them. The Obsidian Council still has need of these individuals."

"What does the Obsidian Council want with us?" Lizzie asked as the Worms closed in on her and the others, "I demand that you tell me the truth! Least I take your head!"

"You'll have other things to worry about if you don't stand aside," said Cuthbert, "now do the intelligent thing and allow me to complete my task."

"Now, there's a thought to ponder over," said Kitty, "your idea of the intelligent thing would be for us to let you get away with the murder of one of our friends and the abduction of another."

"While you're also guilty of aggravated assault," said Lizzie.

"While the foolish thing," Kitty continued, "would be to stand and fight." she then looked at her fellow students and grinned, "I don't know about you, but I'm feeling rather foolish."

"After all," said Maddie, "we Wonderlanders, we're crazy!" with that she took off her had and tossed it into the air. As the hat tumbled in midair, there was a flash and the had became a wide metal disk with a razor edge. Maddie caught the dist and threw it at one of the Worms. It hit the creature in the torso, inflicting a long cut that produced a small shower of sparks. The disk returned to her hand like a boomerang and Maddie threw it at another Worm.

Kitty vanished with a sparkly flash as Lizzie pulled out a fresh pack of cards, drew out the Ten, Jack, Queen, King and Ace of Hearts and threw the cards at another of the Worms, the cards embedding themselves in the creature's torso and produced sparks. "there's a Royal Flush for you!" shouted Lizzie.

Kitty then appeared behind a third Worm. Her nails sharpened into claws and with a feline yowl of righteous fury, delivered a double scratching slash that produced sparks from the creature's back.

But then one of the creatures rushed at Raven. She raised her hands to cast a spell, when Dexter got in front and tackled the Worm, surprising everyone by pushing the monstrosity back a few paces.

"Dexter!" said Raven as she lowered her hands, "you…you're strong?"

"Swords were never really my thing!" said Dexter as he struggled to hold the Worm back, but two more got past him. They faced off against Raven, while the another Worm attempted to grab Briar from behind

"Oh no you don't!" exclaimed Briar as the creature tried to ensnare her with its arms. She slammed her left elbow into its midsection, shoved her right heel into its left foot, grabbed it by the arms and flipped it onto its back, "I am woman!" said Briar triumphantly, "hear me roar!"

"Briar," said a highly confused and impressed Apple, "when did you…"

"I've been taking self-defense courses since I was seven," said Briar as she kicked the downed Worm, "my mom insisted I learned how to take care of myself. Just because I'm a princess doesn't mean I have to be completely helpless."

"That's actually a good idea," said Apple.

"We'll sign you up for karate or something when we're not all in immediate danger!" said Raven as the two Worms facing her closed in. She then finished her spell, creating two spheres of dark purple magic. Raven threw it at one of the Worms, hitting the creature and causing it to explode in a green fireball. She then teleported out of the way of the other Worm, appearing behind the creature and throwing the other dark purple sphere at it, causing the Worm to explode.

"Wow, your dark magic really is working now," said an impressed Briar.

"Hey, it is," said an astonished Raven as she looked at her hands with wonder, "but why now? I'll have to figure it out later."

"All the secrets to your powers will be revealed once you are with The Obsidian Council," said Cuthbert, "all the answers you've ever sought, your every desire, all will be given if you come with me, Nightdancer."

"Stop calling me that, you creep!" shouted Raven as she created another dark purple sphere and threw it at Cuthbert. The man in the business suit merely raised his hand and stopped the sphere before it hit him. He waved his hand and the sphere vanished.

"My abilities far eclipse yours at your present level, Nightdancer," said Cuthbert, "shall I demonstrate further?" he then looked at Dexter, whom had managed to lift one of the Worms over his head and threw it at two more, causing all three to fall to the ground.

"Ah, that one will do," said Cuthbert. He then aimed his hand at Dexter and without warning, blasted Dexter off his feet with a pulse of psychic energy, slamming Dexter into a nearby tree. He fell to the ground and didn't get back up again.

"No!" shouted Raven in an outraged tone. She then glared at Cuthbert, "why did you do that?!"

"Oh, I'm sorry," said Cuthbert, "I thought he was your boyfriend. But apparently he was just a friend, my mistake. Now, about your other friends," he then held up his hand and more Worms appeared.

"Oh, Bread and Butter!" exclaimed Maddie as she and Lizzie fought back to back, with the former tossing her disk and the latter her cards, "how many of these things are there?"

"Too many for my taste!" said Lizzie as she threw the 3, 4 and 5 of Diamonds at a Worm. The cards embedded themselves in its shell and exploded like grenades, causing the creature to detonate in a green fireball.

But then the Worm that Kitty was currently facing began to shudder and its shell melted off, revealing a much more streamline bipedal creature that resembled a blue and indigo spider.

"Uh, yuck much!?" exclaimed Kitty. She then vanished. But then the spider Worm also vanished. It appeared a few yards away and grabbed Kitty by the throat just as she reappeared. The creature then tossed Kitty into the air and delivered several rapid fire punches before she hit the ground unconscious.

"You son of a banshee!" exclaimed Raven after she blasted another Worm, "why are you doing this!"

"Because I'm a villain," said Cuthbert, "obviously," he then looked at the spider creature, "you'll find that this 'Molted' Worm is much stronger and faster than its Salis-stage compatriots."

As if in response, the spider creature vanished again, reappearing next to Maddie and Lizzie and delivered multiple claw slashes that left them on the ground, bleeding from cuts on their arms, legs and midsections.

"You and Ms. White are running out of defenders, Nightdancer," said Cuthbert, "save yourself and your friends from further torment and give yourself up."

"Run for it, Raven!" Apple shouted, "don't give yourself up to this degenerate!"

"And what about you?" Raven asked, "you gonna let him kill you?"

"I'm not!" said Apple, "I have a few surprises up my sleeves."

"As do I," said Briar.

"I'm…not finished yet…either!" said Maddie as she got back up and limped over to Apple, Briar and Raven, "though I feel a bit more discombobulated than normal."

"When you really start being normal, that's when I get scared," said Raven.

"Thanks, Raven," said Maddie, "and you know what, despite the threat of imminent death or worse from otherworldly abominations and the threat of you being kidnapped, I wouldn't be anywhere else."

"I'm sorry you got dragged into this, Maddie," said Raven, "I'm glad you're here."

"I'm glad that you all are glad," said Briar.

"Yes, we're all glad," said Apple.

"This is getting tedious," said Cuthbert in an annoyed tone. He then looked at the Spider Worm, "finish it."

The Spider Worm then vanished. Acting on instinct, Raven cast a spell and accelerated herself into Hyper Time. Reality slowed to a crawl and everything appeared brighter and slightly out of focus, while a rising and falling resonation could be heard.

Raven then saw the Spider Worm running towards her helplessly time-slowed friends. Getting in front of Apple, Briar and Maddie, Raven cast and threw a dark purple sphere at the creature. The Spider Worm endured the impact of the sphere, shrugging it off and rushing at Raven, swatting her aside with one of its clawed limbs.

The spell broke and reality unfroze as Raven was flung through the air, crashing into one of the glass windows of the café.

"Raven!" shouted Maddie, only for her to be thrown aside by the Spider Worm, followed by Briar.

"You're all alone, princess," said Cuthbert cruelly as the Spider Worm advanced on Apple, "all your protectors have been defeated and no further help will reach you in time. So be a good little human and die already."

"If I'm human," said Apple in a trembling tone, her fear beginning to break through her control as the arachnid abomination closed in for the kill, "then what are you?"

"I am so much more than you can imagine," said Cuthbert, "now die!" With that the Spider raised its claws to strike Apple down.

But then from out of nowhere, a man on a motorcycle, wearing a red helmet, a denim jacket, blue jeans and boots, rode in, startling Apple, Cuthbert and the Spider Worm. The one on the motorcycle drove straight at the creature, striking it with the front wheel of the bike and sending the Spider Worm hurtling through the air.

The rider turned off the engine and looked at the still startled Apple. He got off the bike, took off his helmet and looked at Apple. He was about 17, tall with short, sandy blond hair and light brown eyes.

"Are you alright?" he asked as he walked up to Apple.

"I…uh…" said a highly confused Apple, yet the future monarch quickly regained her regal composure and politely addressed the stranger, "yes, I am quite well, good sir, and thank you. May I know the name of the gallant young man whom saved the life of Apple White?"

"You may, my lady," said the boy, "Avery Manning," he then bowed with a slight flourish of his hands, "at your service."

"Oh for crying out loud, do you have to do that?" said an annoyed girl's voice. There off to the left were six teenagers. The first was a girl, about 16 with shoulder length chestnut brown hair, one eye green, the other blue and wore a green shirt with a brown jacket, blue denim skirt, bluish green stockings and shoes. She had a mischievous aura about her, with a smile that said she enjoyed a good time and wanted others to laugh along with her.

The second was a boy, about 19, tall with short brown hair, dark brown eyes and wore a long-sleeved green shirt, camouflage jeans and tennis shoes. He had a serious expression on his face, very businesslike and was one whom hated to waste time.

The third was a girl, about 17 with long black hair, yellowish green eyes and wore a black top with gray and black jeans, jacket and shoes. She had another serious expression, only this one had a hint of anger about it, like something was irritating her in the back of her mind.

The fourth was a boy, about 17, medium height, short black hair, gray eyes and wore a yellow shirt with blue pants and shoes. He was very calm, very laid back and easygoing, yet bored, as if the chaos around him was the norm for him and it was all said and done for him.

The fifth was a girl, around 15 years with long, black hair with yellow and blue highlights, blue eyes behind glasses and wore orange and purple top and skirt with green shoes. She looked around with an awed yet inquisitive expression, eager to learn everything she could about her surroundings.

The sixth was a boy around 18 with very short blond hair, greenish brown eyes and wore a brown shirt with jacket, pants and shoes. He had a shy appearance about him with kind yet passionate eyes.

It was the girl with long black hair and yellowish green eyes whom spoke, "seriously, man? Are you going to be all 'knight in shining armor?'"

"Why not?" Avery Manning asked, "we are in a world where fairytales are real people."

"I take it you aren't from this world," said Raven as she extracted herself from the pile of rubble, apparently none worse for wear

"No, we're not," said the girl with chestnut brown hair, "I'm Madison Broody," she then indicated the boy with short brown hair, "that's Jeffrey Westing."

"Yo," said Jeffrey Westing, "is this going to take much longer?"

"Introductions first," said Madison, "we're here to help these people and they have a right to know who we are," she then looked at Apple and Raven, "unless you'd prefer that we'd be anonymous alien heroes." She then laughed, "just kidding. Anyway," she then indicated the girl with yellowish green eyes, "that's Clarity Lawson, but she likes to be called Clare."

"Let's get this straight, princess," said Clarity Lawson, Clare, in a serious and slightly annoyed tone, "I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to chew bubblegum and kick evil ass," she then took out a stick of gum and began chewing on it, "and I've only a limited supply of bubblegum on me."

"Hey, we've got bubblegum," said Dexter as he picked himself up, also none the worse for wear

"Not the flavor I like," said Clare, "to make a long story short," she then pointed a the boy with gray eyes, "that's Tobias Kosgrove," then at the girl with black hair with blue and yellow highlights, "Dorothea Fairchild," and finally the boy with greenish brown eyes, "and Connor St. John."

"Okay, we know who you are," said Raven, "but, seriously, who are you people?"

"Are you alright, Raven?" Dexter asked as he hurried over to her.

"I think I twisted my ankle," said Raven as she limped over to Maddie and helped her up, while Apple helped Briar, "you okay?"

"I'm a little sore but I can still fight," said Dexter.

"Wish I could say the same," said Maddie in a slightly disoriented tone, "I feel like I've been wrung through a herd of butterflies."

"There's no such thing as a herd of butterflies," said Briar, "and there's no way they can hurt you."

"Have you seen the butterflies in Wonderland?" Maddie asked.

"Well, this is surely a fine kettle of corn we're in," said Clare as she irately crossed her arms. She then looked at Avery, "are you sure we're in the right universe?"

"Positive," said Avery.

"But why are you here?" Apple asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Madison asked, "we're here to stamp out The Worms."

"And to defeat this vile sack of pig vomit," said Tobias Kosgrove as he pointed at Cuthbert.

"Is that so?" Cuthbert asked, "and what, pray tell, makes you meddling brats think you can stop me?"

Avery them pointed up to the sun, "my grandmother once told me, 'in the absence of light, darkness prevails. But so long as there are those whom fight to protect the light, it will never go out!'"

"What the hell does that mean?" Cuthbert asked.

"Don't ask me," said Dorothea Fairchild, "I just met the guy."

"We're kind of a new consortium of heroes," said Connor St. John, "long story."

At that Cuthbert glared hatefully at Avery and the others, "well, I'm sorry, but your story is about to come to an abrupt end."

"No, it's just beginning," said Avery, "just as the stories of Apple White, Raven Queen and their fellow characters, their stories have only just begin."

"Then I'll ask again!" said Cuthbert, "what makes you think you can stop me? What could possibly convince you that you can defy the will of The Obsidian Council!? Do you honestly think you stand a chance against the might of Dai-Shocker!?"

"Yes," said Avery with righteous indignation, "and I'll tell you why! Because my friends and I…we are the chosen ones!" He then held up his right hand, just as a small portal appeared in the air above him. From the portal emerged a small metal object shaped like a red Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle. The metal beetle flew down and into Avery's hand, while a steel-gray belt with a black buckle appeared around his waist.

"Figured you'd get your Zecter first," said Clare in an annoyed tone.

"We'll all get ours in due time," said Jeffrey Westing as took out a gold pocket watch and checked the time, "we just have to be patient."

"But now is Avery's time," said Tobias.

"Henshin!" said Avery. He then slid the red beetle into a slot on his belt buckle, clicking into place.

HENSHIN

The red beetle emitted a flash of yellow light and a wave of green energy with a hexagon pattern spread over Avery's body, in its wake materialized a suit of armor that resembled a heavily fortified pupae. The armor was gray, black and red, while the helmet had a pair of short antenna and blue, segmented eye visors.

"Whoa!" said an awed Apple, while Raven and the others looked on with amazed eyes.

"No!" exclaimed an outraged and slightly afraid Cuthbert, while the Spider Worm and lesser Worms backed away a few paces in fear, "not! It can't be! You…you can't!"

"Yes I am!" said Avery, his voice reverberating slightly from within the armor, "Kamen Rider…Kabuto!"

"Kabuto," said Apple in an astonished tone.

"You bastard!" shouted Cuthbert. He then gestured to several lesser Worms, "eradicate him!" with that the lesser Worms shuffled towards Kabuto, whom drew out from nowhere a blaster with axe-like features, such as the barrel had a grip and the handle had an axe blade.

Kabuto then aimed and fired his blaster at two Worms, the laser blasts hitting the creatures and they self destructed in blazes of green fire.

Four more Worms rushed towards Kabuto, whom changed grips on his axe-blaster, now holding it in its axe mode. He then hacked at one Worm, hitting it in the torso with enough force to make it stagger back and explode, then slammed the axe into the head of the second worm, then flipped the weapon back into its blaster mode and shot the third and fourth worm, which promptly exploded.

But then more Worms shuffled into the area. Kabuto faced the oncoming abominations calmly. He then flicked up the 'Horn' of his beetle Zector. Blue energy arched across his armor as the individual segments of said armor, the leg and arm guards, chest and back plates, the helmet, expanded from each other by a few millimeters.

"Cast Off!" said Kabuto as he pushed the Horn on his Zector all the way so it was all the way on the metal beetle's back, while the head segment of the Zector popped forward a few centimeters.

CAST OFF

The separated armor segments then blasted off of Kabuto's body, exposing a sleeker red armor more suited for speed, agility and maneuverability. The armor segments then slammed into several Worms and caused them to explode.

A large red beetle horn then rose up from the bottom of Kabuto's helmet, clicking into place, giving him the appearance of a red Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle.

CHANGE: BEETLE

Half a dozen more Worms rushed at Kabuto, whom then took off the pistol grip and axe blade of his blaster, shifting the weapon into a sword mode. He slashed at two of the Worms, then stabbed the other four, destroying them.

Hissing with vile fury, the Spider Worm then accelerated, vanishing from normal sight.

"Clock Up!" said Kabuto as he pressed a button on the side of his belt.

CLOCK UP

Reality in the area froze as Kabuto accelerated into Hyper Time as he ran towards the now visible Spider Worm. He and the creature met with a clash of punches and kicks, with Kabuto blocking all of the creature's attacks and he inflicting hits of his own, eventually delivering a punch that knocked the Spider Worm down, sending it back to normal time.

CLOCK OVER

Kabuto also returned to normal time and faced the Spider Worm as it got back up. He then pressed a triple series of buttons on his Zector.

ONE

TWO

THREE

Kabuto then flicked the horn on his Zector back to its original position, pushing the head back into place. "Rider Kick!" he said as he flipped the horn back open. Blue energy began arcing from the Zector up his armor to his helmet horn.

RIDER KICK

The spider Worm rushed at Kabuto as the energy arced down Kabuto's armor, reaching his right leg as Kabuto swung a roundhouse kick at the creature. The leg connected with the Spider Worm's head and the creature was knocked back down, exploding in a flash of blue fire.

"Whoa!" exclaimed Raven as she, Apple, Briar, Maddie and Dexter shielded their eyes from the explosion. When the smoke from the blast cleared, they saw Kabuto standing boldly, his right index finger pointing up at the sun.

"Well, this was unfortunate," said Cuthbert irately.

"If I were you," said Kabuto to Cuthbert, "I'd leave this world and never return."

"Thank the darkness I'm not you," said Cuthbert as he glared hatefully at Kabuto, "you filthy Kamen Rider! You and your fellow Riders, you're always getting in the way of the glory of Dai-Shocker! But not this time! This time you face the power of The Obsidian Council, and believe me when I say that this time, you will lose!"

Cuthbert then glared at Apple and Raven, "enjoy this respite while you can, ladies! Our next encounter won't be so pleasant for you and your friends. One way or another, Apple White, you will die! And you, Raven Queen, Nightdancer, you will come with me to The Obsidian Council and your true destiny will be fulfilled!" With that, he stepped back into a shimmering gray door that appeared, vanishing as the door also vanished.

"Ugg! What a jerk!" said Briar as she looked around at the aftermath of the battle, "if this was his idea of pleasant, I do not want to know his idea of pain."

"At least no one was seriously hurt," said Apple as she checked on Daring and his friends, "they'll be alright, just a few bumps on the head. A checkup at the hospital and a goodnight's rest and they'll be right as rain again."

"I wish I could say the same thing about the rest of us," said Raven. She then looked around, "hey, where did that Kabuto guy go?"

"He's gone!" said a surprised Briar as she also looked around, "as are Madison and the others."

"Well, that's rude of them," said Maddie as she recovered her throwing disk and changed it back into her hat, "leaving us without so much as a by your leave," she then pulled out her teapot and cup, "wouldn't you agree, Earl Gray?" at that her pet dormouse nodded in agreement.

"They sure were strange people," said Dexter, "but still cool, especially that Avery guy."

"Avery Manning," said Apple in an intrigued tone, "Kamen Rider Kabuto. Who are you?"

"He is clearly the one best suited to handle this crisis," said Lizzie as she and Kitty got back up, "our own abilities are effective against The Worm when facing limited numbers of them."

"But if they come at us again," said Raven, "we'll be in trouble."

"But…we won!" said Dexter as Daring slowly regained consciousness, with the former helping the latter get back to his feet, "Kabuto destroyed that spider creature."

"Who destroyed what now?" Daring asked in a groggy tone, "is it over already?"

"Is it over?" Lizzie asked in a deadly serious tone, "did you honestly think that the creatures we've seen where all that Cuthbert L. Snyder has at his disposal. No, he has far too many cards left to play," she then began shuffling her deck again, "is it over? No, it is not. This is only the first round of a much larger and potentially deadly game."

"Oh, Snakes and Ladders!" exclaimed a shocked Maddie, "Raven! You're bleeding!"

"What!?" exclaimed Raven she then looked down and saw blood trickling down her left leg. A closer inspecting revealed a shard of glass was embedded in her thigh.

"Oh, my stars and roses!" exclaimed Briar.

"I…I didn't even know I was hurt," said a startled Raven as she looked down at the glass shard in her leg, then at the blood trickle, then at the glass shard again.

"It must have happened when you were thrown through the window," said Apple as she and Dexter hurried over to Raven.

"I don't even feel it," said Raven. But then the rush of adrenaline from the battle wore off and she grimaced in pain, "oh, wait, now I feel it! Ow! Ow! OW!" at that Raven nearly lost her balance and fell.

"It's okay, I got you!" said Dexter as he caught Raven and he eased her down to a sitting position.

"I'm calling the hospital!" said Apple as she pulled out her phone, "they'll send paramedics. In the mean time, don't touch that shard, Raven."

"What do you mean, don't touch it!?" exclaimed Raven, "get it out!"

"Can't you use your magic to remove the shard and heal the cut?" Briar asked.

"They wouldn't let me study healing magic!" exclaimed Raven, "my mother forbade it! Oh gosh! It hurts! It freaking hurts! Get It Out! GET IT OUT!"

"Oh, don't be such a baby," said Kitty as she walked over and knelt down beside Raven, "it's just a itty bitty splinter. Here, you want it out? Fine, I'll pull it out."

"No! Don't!" exclaimed Apple, but Kitty had already gripped the glass shard with her claws and pulled it out and earning a yelp of pain from Raven. The shard was longer than thought, being over an inch in length. Instantly, blood spurt from the cut, splashing Kitty in her eyes. She yowled in surprise and disgust as she blindly staggered away, pawing at her blood-soaked eyes.

Meanwhile, more blood was spurting out from Raven's cut thigh at a disturbingly fast rate.

"Uh…that doesn't look good," said a very worried and slightly nauseated Dexter.

"Darn right it isn't good!" snapped Apple as she began tearing strips from her dress, "her Femoral Artery was cut!" She then began tying the strips around Raven's thigh, some of them over the cut, the others at a pressure point, "If we don't stop the bleeding now she'll be dead in minutes!"

"Apple…I…" said Raven in a groggy tone as her eyes began to flutter, her head swaying back and forth dizzily, "I…don't feel good. I feel so…so cold."

"It's the drop in blood pressure," said Apple as she finished tying the makeshift tourniquet and bandage, "you're going into shock. Just hold on, Raven, the paramedics are coming!"

"I…Apple…I…" said Raven in a distant tone barely above a whisper before passing out.

"Raven!" exclaimed Apple, "stay with me, Raven!" she then looked at her fellow characters, whom were looking at Apple, shocked at her torn dress and blood covered hands, "don't just stand there! Help me!"

…The End Is Just The Beginning…