Apple tried to get through the day, her lack of sleep aside; she managed quite well in her classes. Come lunch time, she felt a second wind when she was with her friends. They talked, they laughed, until Alex Liddell decided to make a scene in the Castleteria.

"AH! Dear god! What did I just eat?!" He shouted from across the room.

"Ugh, what is with that guy?" Asked Briar Beauty.

"I'm not sure, but he doesn't seem quite 'right'…" Responded Blondie Lockes.

"He's nothing but trouble. I mean after yesterday, and I hear he kicked Dexter out of his room."

"Well that's just not right. What do you think Apple?"

"Uh…I think…I think Alex is a different kind of rebel." She looked as he ran over to Raven and pleaded to her for death. "He's not like us. I'm sure he means well, but he goes about things that wrong way."

"If you say so." Briar didn't sound too sure of Apple's response. "So where did you go after lunch yesterday?"

"Oh, I…" She thought of a lie quickly. "Got my outfit stained during lunch. I went to my room to change it, then that whole business with the alarm; I decided to just stay in my room and study."

"I tried calling and texting you, I even went by your room, but the door was locked." Briar sounded worried about her friend.

"Oh, I took a nap after a while. I guess I locked the door. I didn't wake up 'til Raven came home."

"That's cool. So I was thinking later…" Briar went on about what she did yesterday and what she had planned for her friends today. Apple felt more at ease knowing her friends believed her. She did feel a bit of guilt for lying. But until she could understand what happened, she felt best to keep it to herself.

As the day went on, Apple continued to be with her friends. She loved it. Her nightmare didn't even come to mind. But when she returned to her room and readied for bed, it was all she could think about.

"Hey Apple."

"Hey…Raven."

"You alright, you seem shaken up?"

"Just a bit tired. Briar dragged us all over town. I love her but sometimes she just has way too much energy."

"Haha, alright." Then Raven's phone rang. She saw it was Cerise Hood calling her. "Hello? Alex? What are you doing with-? Wait calm down! You did what?! Why was she— Okay okay, where are you? Alright I'll be there." She hung up. "I've got to go. Alex might be in some huge trouble. Promise you won't tell anyone?"

"Sure…" With that, Raven dashed out the room. And Apple went to bed.

That night Apple dreamed again. Dreamed of the darkness that clouded the path she walked. And once again, she met the figure. It curled into itself, as if it was afraid.

She walked slowly. Not wanting to startle it. "Hello?"

"You're back." It unfolded itself but kept its face hidden.

"You can talk?"

"Yes, I'm afraid last time I was rather eager and let my emotions get the best of me. You see, being here, I rarely have visitors. And when I saw you…I just…I…" It reached out again. But again the chains held it back. "I'm sorry."

"No, its fine…" Apple thought for a minute. That voice was familiar… "I know you. We've talked before...My mirror!"

"Yes, I saw you through the mirror. I called out to you. But I was afraid if you knew who I was you would cast me aside."

"…who are you?"

"I have been called many names, and many things. I was once a queen…"

"A queen…Imprisoned…The mirror…" Apple pieced it together. "You're the Evil Queen!"

"Hm…" She no longer hid her face. It was her. "I was once called that, I was also once called mother, by your mother."

"…" Apple was stunned. She gazed upon what The Queen had become. Her body though, made of ooze, maintained its shape. Her face however, was not ooze. It was, amazing. Although everything was shrouded by darkness and the ooze she consisted of stained her chains, her face was untouched. In the darkness, it almost glowed; as if it was made of porcelain.

She knew all that was spoken of the Evil Queen. She should have been afraid without doubt. But fear wasn't her only emotion. She was also confused. "You've been calling out to me, why? Why not Raven?"

"Oh dearest Raven, I worry for her. As you may have heard she doesn't want to follow my story." She spoke with disappointment.

"I know…" Apple began to approach her.

"When she rejected her pledge for Legacy Day she set a chain of events in motion; one that even I, locked away here, could feel." She placed her hand on Apple's shoulder. "I want to help her Apple, but I know she won't let me, that is why I called you. Please, Apple I beg you. Help me; help me make this right, help Raven be who she was always meant to be."

"I…I…" Apple looked into her eyes. She felt the same way she did when she listened to The Queen through the mirror. A warm feeling washed over her. "I suppose I could help…"

"Oh thank you dear!" She embraced Apple once again. And again Apple began to sink into her. But this time she was too lost to struggle away. "You're such a kind and caring girl. So young…so pure." Apple released a small whimper. It was all she could do. The Queen leaned down and whispered. "Just like your mother."

Apple's eyes shot open instantly. She looked around and noticed it was morning and she was in her room. She sat up and sighed. She looked over to Raven. Still asleep, wearing what she wore last night. Apple recalled what The Queen said. Then she thought about what Alex told her. You said you'd care about everyone, but it sounds to me like Raven ain't one of them. They echoed in her head. "I do care." Twice she's had a dream like that. She wasn't sure of anything at the moment. What did it all mean? Was the Evil Queen really calling out to her? Could she be trusted? "If all she wants is set Raven on the right track, then there's no harm in helping her…" Apple wasn't so sure. But she came up with a plan to set her mind at ease.