Chapter 6: The Battle of Ever After High
"How'd they get inside the enchanted hedges?!" Apple asked as she, Raven, Dexter, Daring, Briar, Ashlynn, Hunter and Maddie, stood outside in the school grounds as their fellow panicking students franticly exited the main building of Ever After High, which was still being rocked by tremors, while those already outside were fleeing in terror from the growing numbers of Salis Worms.
"I don't know," said Avery, "but this is a hell of a time for Cuthbert to prove me wrong."
"You wanted proof, old man? You got it!" Clare shouted at Grimm, who was looking at the advancing Salis Worms with dumbfounded eyes, "hello? Are you listening to me, fatso?"
"This cannot be!" exclaimed Grimm, "this…this is some kind of illusion! It must be an illusion! It simply cannot be real! It cannot!"
Just then a pulsating root sprouted from the ground near Ashlynn. She screamed with fright as the vile tendril seem rise up and tried to ensnare her. Hunter grabbed Ashlynn and pulled her out of the way, then pulled out a hatchet and cut off part of the root. The severed tendril retreated underground, while the part cut off writhed on the ground for several seconds before crumbling into ashes, leaving a dark purple stain on the grass.
"I've got a distinct feeling that it'd be a bad idea to let those things touch us," said Dexter. He then saw several roots reach the main building of the school and began winding up its walls.
"I think anything that gets touched by those things are in trouble!" said Maddie, "with a capital T, which rhymes with P and that stands for Pool!"
"What the hell does that have to do with anything?" Clare asked.
"Hey, it's Riddlish," said Maddie as she sipped from her teacup.
Everyone then saw several roots were creeping up the enchanted hedges at a rapid rate. Within seconds the tendrils had ensnared and pulled down a large section of the living wall.
"No! This is impossible!" exclaimed Grimm as he saw the unfolding havoc around him, "all of this is impossible! I won't stand for this chaos! I won't stand for it! I won't!"
"Then shut up and do something about it, man!" Avery shouted at Grimm, "your school and students are in dire straights! It's time for you to take responsibility for those in your charge!"
"Chaos! CHAOS!" exclaimed Grimm in an unsteady voice, "this is not how it is supposed to be! The stories must remain pure and whole! The cycle must continue! Order must rein! Chaos must be averted! The cycle must continue! The cycle must continue!"
"What cycle?" Raven asked, "Headmaster, what are you talking about!?"
At that, Grimm glared hatefully at Raven, unadulterated furry blazing in his eyes, "Raven Queen, this is your doing!"
"I…what?" Raven asked, "I didn't do anything! It's the Worms you should be angry at."
"And that jerk Cuthbert," said Briar.
"No, this is all your doing, Raven Queen!" shouted Grimm, "if you had just done as you were told and signed the book, none of this bedlam would be happening! This chaos is all your fault!" He then lunged at Raven, his hands outstretched to strangle her, "this is all your fault!"
But then Grimm faulted in his lunging attack, let out a grunt of pain and collapsed to the ground unconscious, while behind him stood Cedar, her hands gripped together in a double fist that she used to knock the headmaster out.
"Oh my gosh!" a horrified Cedar exclaimed as Cerise and Cupid ran up to her, "what have I done?"
"You saved me from being throttled," said Raven as she involuntarily rubbed her neck.
"I had no idea that the headmaster was so mentally unbalanced as to attack a student," said Apple in a shocked tone, "I mean, I know he was…well…I wouldn't go so far as to say obsessed, but…"
"But nothing, Apple," said Raven, "we'll worry about Grimm later. Right now," she looked at the panicking students as they fled the main building of the school and the growing numbers of Salis Worms, the frightened students being forced into a corner as the insectoid creatures shuffled towards them, "right now, we've got a bit of a pest problem."
"Weeds as well as vermin," said Lizzie as she and Kitty reached Raven and the others, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I believe Ever After High is in dire need of some pest control!"
"Good," said Clare as she cracked her knuckles, "I'm in the mood to play exterminator tonight."
"Try to save some for Jeffrey and Tobias," said Avery as he pocketed his phone, "I just texted them and they're on their way."
"Spoil sport," said Clare. She then held out her right hand as her Henshin Brace appeared on her left wrist. At the same time, Avery held up his right hand as his Rider Belt appeared around his waist.
Two portals opened in the air and from them flew Kabuto Zector and TheBee Zector, flying around for a few seconds before being caught in the hands of their respective owners.
"Clare, you're with Daring, Briar, Cedar, Ashlynn and Hunter, you're in charge of keeping the students safe. Apple, I want you with them to help the wounded."
"So long as I get to kill some Worms," said Clare, "I'm happy. Henshin!" she then snapped her Zector onto her brace.
HENSHIN
With a wave of energy hexagons, Clare assumed the Masked form of TheBee. "Let's go," she said to Daring, Briar, Cedar, Kitty, Ashlynn and Hunter.
"You got it," said Daring as he unsheathed his sword, while Ashlynn readied a boom handle staff, Hunter his hatchet and crossbow and Kitty eagerly bared her claws, while Briar and Cedar nodded in agreement and Apple pulled out a first aid kit from her purse.
"Raven, you, Dexter, Maddie, Cerise, Cupid and Lizzie are with me," said Avery, "we've got an abomination of a plant to reap. Henshin!" With that he slid his Zector into place on his belt.
HENSHIN
With a wave of energy hexagons, Avery assumed the Masked form of Kabuto.
"We're right behind you!" said Raven, while Dexter, Maddie, Cerise, Cupid and Lizzie nodded in agreement, with Maddie turning her hat into her disk, Cerise's eyes flashing yellow in eagerness for battle, Cupid summoning a bow and a quiver full of arrows, Lizzie readying her deck of cards and Dexter cracking his knuckles. With that, Kabuto's group rushed towards the source of the roots, running past a cluster of Salis Worms, only for those creatures to be confronted by TheBee's group.
"Alright, you slimy pieces of green filth!" said TheBee, "get ready to feel my righteous sting!" with that she rushed forward, grabbed one of the Salis Worms and delivered a punched that knocked it to the ground, then kicked another to the ground. But several more shuffled forward to take the place of their fallen comrades and advanced on the defending heroes.
"Uh…what do I do now?" Cedar asked.
"Just hit them until the explode," said Kitty, "they're tough but slow!" With that she flashed out and reappeared behind two Salis Worms, delivering a double slash to one then to the other, then flashed out as they self destructed. "And dumb as a doornail," she said as she appeared next to Cedar.
"Oh…okay," said Cedar as she watched Hunter shoot one of the Worms with his crossbow, piercing the creature in the middle of the head and causing it to explode, "um…I'm going to stick with Apple and help her, if that's okay with everyone else."
"Birthday suit yourself," said TheBee a she grabbed a Salis Worm and punched it several times in the gut, "more for the rest of us!" She then threw the Worm she was fighting into the air, while at the same time, Briar flipped another into the air, just as Ashlynn tossed a third into the air with her makeshift quarterstaff. The three hapless Worms collided in midair with enough force to explode.
"Everyone!" Apple said to the panicking students, "we're trying to get the situation under control. In the meantime, you all have to calm down and get to safety. I know things are frightening and confusing and I don't have all the answers. What I do know is that the ones responsible for this horrific attack want us to be afraid, the want us to be confounded and they want us to be without hope. Well, as long as I am here, there'll always be hope, I promise you that!"
But then Apple sensed something creeping up behind her. She turned around and saw two Salis Worms about to attack. But then Daring got in front of the creatures and stabbed one of them with his sword, then delivered a diagonal slash with a hard cut follow up that caused the creature to explode, while the one next to it exploded from being so close to the first blast.
"Are you alright, Apple?" Daring asked.
"Yes, I'm fine," Apple replied, "Daring…I…"
"Listen, Apple," said Daring, "for this may be the only chance I may get to say it. I know everyone expected us to wind up together and live happily ever after, and I was okay with it. But truthfully, even though we signed The Storybook of Legends, I'm just not ready to settle down with you, or anyone for that matter."
"I feel the same way," said Apple, "even if Raven somehow poisons me right now and you kissed me right afterwards to wake me up, I still wouldn't want to settle down right away, especially with everything else going on."
"What I'm trying to say is…" said Daring, "what I mean is…"
"You just want to be friends for now?" Apple asked, "and figure out our relationship later?"
"Exactly," said Daring.
Just then two more Salis Worms rushed at Apple and Daring and raised their claws to attack before either Royals could do anything to defend themselves. But then Cedar got in front of them and blocked the Worm claws with her arms. She then countered by punching one hard in the face, then grabbing the other and throwing it towards TheBee, who destroyed it with a hard kick to the side.
"Huh, I think I'm getting the hang of this," said Cedar. She then looked at Apple and Daring, "you two alright?"
"Uh…yeah," said Apple, "I think so."
"Just what kind of wood are you made of anyway?" Kitty asked as she slashed and destroyed another Worm, "enlighten us."
"'Cedar' wood, of course," said the daughter of Pinocchio, "and some ironwood, but mostly cedar."
Just then one of the Worms shifted to its human disguise, an ordinary woman with short brown hair and wearing a green and brown dress, "being made of wood may make you tough, but everything has its weakness."
"I'm surprised you bugs can talk," said Kitty.
"Some of us can in our natural state," said the woman, "but mostly, we need a human form to speak."
"You mean a life to steal! An identity to consume!" exclaimed Apple.
"We do what we have to do to survive," said the woman, "and as for you, Apple White, your survival is about to become moot."
"As if we'd let you!" said Briar as she got in front of Apple. By now the other students were out of the area of danger, while Ashlynn, Hunter, Kitty and Cedar stood with Briar.
"You're just one bug! We can handle you any day of the week!" said Hunter.
"I wouldn't be so quick to underestimate The Worms if I were you," said the woman. She then looked at Cedar, "and judging by your physical makeup, I can guess your weakness, and your greatest fear!" With that, the woman shifted back into a Salis Worm, which then Molted, becoming a creature with features of a yellow and black termite.
"Oh snap, crackle and pop!" exclaimed a terrified Cedar.
"That's right!" said the Termite Worm, "I'm going to devour you in body and soul!" With that the creature Clocked Up and ran at Cedar at blinding speed. It stopped in front of the heroes, grabbed Kitty and Hunter and threw them aside like they were rag dolls. Ashlynn tried to hit the creature with her staff but the Termite Worm dodged the wooden weapon and grabbed it out of Ashlynn's hands.
The creature then broke the staff in half and ate both parts, "an appetizer in anticipation of the main course!" it exclaimed before rushing at Cedar. It then grabbed Briar and threw her to the ground, then grabbed Cedar.
"No! I don't want to be eaten!" exclaimed Cedar, "don't eat me! Please!"
"That's right, beg for mercy!" said the Termite Worm, "plead for your pathetic excuse for a life. Cry some tears, it'll make devouring you that much sweeter, so cry, if you can cry that is!"
Just then TheBee tackled the creature, forcing it to release Cedar, whom was helped to her feet by Apple, while Briar and the others had gotten back up.
"Leave the puppet alone, bitch!" snapped TheBee.
"Actually, I'm a marionette," said Cedar as she got back up, "but that's not important right now."
"It's nice to know, anyway," said TheBee.
"You'll pay for denying me of my meal, rider maggot!" snapped the Termite Worm.
"We'll see who eats who," said TheBee as she flipped the wings back on her Zector. Yellow energy crackled as the segments of her armor separated, "after all, my motif is a predator insect, while termites are often prey. Cast Off!" She then turned her Zector around 180° on her wrist brace.
CAST OFF
The outer segments of her armor were blasted off, shooting out in all directions, forcing Apple and the others to duck, the Termite Worm to dodge and a few Salis Worms that reacted too slowly to be hit and explode.
CHANGE: WASP
"In the wild, it is the strong who devour the weak," said the Termite Worm. "'The weak are meat and the strong doth eat!'"
"That's assuming you're stronger than I am," said TheBee. She then turned around and aimed her left arm at several approaching Salis Worms, firing off several stinger-like bullets from her Zector, the bullets hitting and destroying the creatures. She faced the Termite Worm again and assumed a fighting stance, beckoning the Termite Worm forward with a wave of her hand, inviting the monstrosity to attack.
"I'll be eating good tonight!" said the Termite Worm. The creature then accelerated again and rushed at TheBee.
"Clock Up!" said TheBee as she hit the button on the side of her belt.
CLOCK UP
TheBee accelerated and rushed to meet the oncoming Termite Worm, the two striking at each other so fast they were little more than blurs.
"There's the plant!" Raven shouted as she, Dexter, Maddie, Cerise, Cupid and Lizzie reached the top of a small hill in the school grounds, where at the bottom of the rise stood a pulsating green, yellow and purple plant identical to the one from the park yesterday. Around it were less than ten Salis Worms.
"That one looks bigger than the one before," said Dexter.
"I'm no expert on plants," said Cerise, "but it looks like it's growing a flower."
At the top of the plant a large bud was forming, getting larger all the time.
"I don't want to know what will happen when that flower blooms," said Lizzie, "I don't even want to know what color it'll be."
"Then let's cut it down before who knows what happens," said Cupid. She fitted an arrow to her bow, drew the string back, aimed and fired her arrow at one of the Salis Worms. The arrow pierced it in one eye and the creature exploded. At the same time, the other Salis Worms looked up, seeing our heroes.
"Way to be subtle," said an irate Lizzie.
"Demigods are seldom subtle," said Cupid as she fitted another arrow to her bow.
"Let's just cut the weed down," said Raven.
Just then Cuthbert appeared in front of Raven and the others, "I'm afraid I can't let you do that, Nightdancer."
"You!" snapped Raven, while Dexter and the others stood defensively in front of her, "how did you do it?! How did you get inside the enchanted hedges?!"
"I was hoping you'd ask that," said Cuthbert, "I'd be glad to explain, but I think I'll let my learned colleague spill the beans."
Just then a hologram of Dr. Claymore appeared next to Cuthbert, "am I coming in clear?" she asked, "are you receiving me, Mr. Snyder?"
"Clear as crystal, Dr. Claymore," said Cuthbert, he then looked at Raven and the others, "may I present to you a vital member of the scientific team sponsored by The Obsidian Council; Dr. Claymore, of Foundation X."
"At your disservice," said Dr. Claymore, grinning wickedly as she gave a mock bow.
"Foundation X?" Dexter asked, "who are you guys?"
"And why are you working with The Obsidian Council?" Cerise asked.
"That's what I want to know," said Kabuto as he appeared behind Cuthbert and the hologram of Dr. Claymore.
"Ah, Mr. Manning," said Cuthbert, "we meet again."
"Cut the claptrap, creep!" Kabuto snapped, "you were asked a question."
"And I'm only too happy to oblige," said Dr. Claymore, "Foundation X is an amalgamation of the best in all fields of science, dedicated to research and producing results for our most generous investors."
"In other words, you go to whatever means necessary to finish whatever project you're being paid for," said Kabuto, "especially if it means killing those in your way. And your projects are either lethal products to be unleashed on the general public or weapons of mass destruction. Foundation X is nothing more than a guild of death merchants!
"An exaggerated analogy, but true," said Dr. Claymore.
"How'd you know that?" Raven asked suspiciously.
"That's what I want to know," said Cuthbert
"My friends and I have information on various dark organizations," said Kabuto, "thought we didn't know that Foundation X was involved."
"Well we are," said Dr. Claymore, "and thanks to my brilliant idea, we've gained access to Ever After High, as well as rendering it's strongest protections null and void."
"Which brings us back to how you got past the hedges?" Raven asked.
"You can thank Briar Beauty for providing us the means," said Cuthbert, "oh, didn't you know? After last night's jaunt through the park, I had you followed back to school, Nightdancer. My recon Worms videotaped you, young Dexter and Briar at the hedges. You won't believe what an interesting sound they picked up."
"Briar's singing," said Dexter, "you recorded her voice!"
"And I used that recording to modify a Worm's vocal cords to synthesize the exact frequency, tone and pitch needed to pass through the thorns," said Dr. Claymore, while at the same time a Molted Worm appeared next to her. This creature had attributes of a cricket, while advanced cybernetic implants were grafted to its neck.
"As you can see by the results," said Dr. Claymore as she indicated the unfolding chaos afflicting Ever After High, "science proves itself superior to magic."
"You're wrong!" snapped Raven, "science isn't better than magic!"
At that Dr. Claymore laughed cruelly, "oh, and you're going to prove that magic is better than science?"
"She doesn't have to," said Kabuto, "no one has to, for the proof is all around us."
"I'd love to hear you elaborate, Mr. Manning," said Cuthbert as several Salis Worms shuffled over, "but time is money." He then indicated to the insectoid creatures, "I want him in pieces!"
"I'll give you a piece of me, alright," said Kabuto. He then flipped the horn on his Zector up. Energy crackled as the segments of his outer armor separated, "Cast Off!" He then pressed the horn home to its reverse position.
CAST OFF
The armor segments blasted outwards in all directions, forcing Raven and the others, as well as Cuthbert and the Cricket Worm, to duck, while Dr. Claymore calmly stood her ground as the segments passed through her holographic image. The gathered Salis Worms weren't so lucky as they were hit by the flying segments and exploded, while at the same time the horn on Kabuto's inner armor rose up and clicked into position.
CHANGE: BEATLE
"As I was saying," said Kabuto, "magic is all around us; in the laughter and smiles of children, in the breaking of the dawn and the setting of the dusk, from the rising of a rainbow to the gentle fall of snow. You can try to take it away and destroy it with science, but as my grandmother always said…" he then pointed to the brightest star in the night sky, "'magic is everywhere; to see it, just open your eyes and heart.'"
"A wise woman, your grandmother," said Cuthbert in a contemptuous tone, "too bad you'll never see her again!" With that the Cricket Worm accelerated and rushed at Kabuto.
"Clock Up!" said Kabuto as he pressed the button on the side of his belt.
CLOCK UP
Kabuto accelerated and rushed at the oncoming Cricket Worm, exchanging punches and kicks in hyper time.
"While they're busy with near light speed combat," said Cuthbert as he looked at Raven, "we need to have a serious discussion, Nightdancer."
"Stop calling me that!" Raven snapped.
"Would you prefer me to call you by your given name?" Cuthbert asked, "Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen and descended from a long line of Evil Queens. Can you honestly tell me that you're satisfied with that? Forced into a role that has you predestined to failure, humiliation, imprisonment and most likely death? Oh wait, I forgot, you're trying to change your destiny."
"I'm already changing my destiny!" said Raven.
"By denying who you really are," said Cuthbert, "be honest, Raven, do you really believe you can keep the darkness in your heart in check? That you won't accidentally lose control and end up hurting someone you care about? Can you truly expect to be a goodie two shoes for the rest of your life?!"
"I can try," said Raven, "all I can do is try and take it one day at a time."
"You tell that creep, Raven!" said Dexter, while Maddie and the others nodded in agreement.
"Why settle for one day when you can have it all right here and now?" Cuthbert asked. He then held out his hand, "come with me, Nightdancer, come to The Obsidian Council. Only they can help you achieve your true destiny, your true power."
Raven responded by charging up a fireball and throwing it at Cuthbert. He caught it by reflect and he yelped in pain as his hand burned.
"The next time you ask me that," said Raven as she summoned another fireball, "I'll set your hair on fire."
"In that case," said Cuthbert as he clutched his burned hand, then wrapped it in a handkerchief, "I won't ask anymore. I'll just have to take you by force!"
"Just try and get past us, you jerk!" Maddie shouted as she, Dexter, Lizzie, Cupid and Cerise got in front of Raven.
"Okay, I will," said Cuthbert. He then held out both hands and the mimed pushing something aside, while an invisible force violently shoved Dexter, Maddie, Lizzie, Cupid and Cerise away from Raven and knocked them to the ground.
Cerise recovered first and leapt at Cuthbert, intending on tackling him to the ground.
Cuthbert shot a green energy blast at Cerise that hit her in the torso and knocked her out of the air. She hit the ground hard and didn't get back up.
"Off with his head!" shouted Lizzie as she threw several of her exploding cards at Cuthbert.
"Parlor tricks," said Cuthbert irately as he flicked his wrist, causing the incoming cards to freeze midair and turn around, hurtling right back at their thrower. Lizzie let out a squeak of fright as she dodged most of the cards, which landed and exploded around her, while one landed a few feet closer and exploded right behind her, blasting Lizzie off of her feet and onto the ground where she didn't get back up again.
"Stop hurting my friends, you blibbering humdinger!" Maddie shouted as she threw her disk at Cuthbert.
"Oh, please," said Cuthbert as he caught the disk, waved his hand over it, charging the disk with dark magic. He threw it into the air, where it morphed into a bat-like creature with four wings, razor-sharp claws and a mouth full of needle-like teeth that dripped with acid. The creature let out a screech of primal fury as it flew at Maddie.
"Where's a rabbit hole when you need one!" Maddie shouted as she fled from the mutant bat.
"Do we really have to continue with this charade, Nightdancer?" Cuthbert asked. "Your defenders aren't living up to your expectations."
"Don't make fun of my friends!" Raven shouted, "they're part of what makes me strong, just as I'm part of what makes them strong! But I can also take care of myself if I have to!" she then shot a double handed blast of magic at Cuthbert. The blast hit the vile suited man and with a dark purple flash, turned him to stone.
"I did it!" Raven shouted happily. She then shot her petrifying beam at the mutated bat chasing Maddie, turning the creature to stone. It fell to the ground and shattered.
"Thanks, Raven," said Maddie, "but what am I going to do for a new hat? The stores won't open till morning."
"I think you've got other things to worry about," said Dr. Claymore.
Just then the stone statue of Cuthbert began to crack, green energy crackling as the statue shattered, revealing a dusty and slightly out of breath Cuthbert.
"Not bad, Nightdancer," said Cuthbert as he brushed himself off, "not bad at all."
Just then Kabuto and the Cricket Worm returned to normal time, with Kabuto delivering a punch that knocked the creature to the ground, while at the same time, TheBee and the Termite Worm appeared nearby, with TheBee kicking the creature off its feet.
"Raven!" Apple shouted as she, Briar, Daring, Cedar, Ashlynn, Hunter and Kitty ran into the area.
"What…what is that?" Daring asked as he pointed at the towering pulsating plant.
"I don't know, but it's getting bigger," said Cedar.
"Yes, impressive, isn't it?" Dr. Claymore asked, "the Negative Plant, quite the marvel of science."
"And who are you?" Ashlynn asked.
"A mad scientist if there ever was one," said Lizzie as she and Cerise got back up.
"Just because she's mad, doesn't make her wrong," said Cuthbert, "soon, The Negative Plant will reach its full height and its flower will bloom, spreading Negative Spores across the width and breath of this world until the entire realm of fairytales has been corrupted! And the corruption will begin right here at Ever After High!"
"Over my dead body!" Cupid shouted as she took aim with her bow and shot an arrow at Cuthbert.
Without even looking, Cuthbert caught the arrow between his left forefinger and middle finger. He then flicked his hand and sent the arrow back where it came from. Before Cupid could react, the arrow hit her in the torso just a few millimeters to the right of her heart. With a startled grunt she collapsed to the ground.
"NO!" exclaimed Dexter as he and Raven rushed to the fallen demigoddess of love, "Apple! Help me!"
"Should we pull the arrow out?" Kitty asked as she and the others clustered around.
"Didn't you learn anything from what happened to Raven?" Apple asked as she got her first aid kit ready, "that arrow is probably right next to a vital spot, such as her aorta or super van cava. The slightest pressure could cause her to bleed to death in seconds!"
Just then Cupid coughed up some blood and spoke in a harsh whisper, "Raven…Dexter!"
"We're right here, Cupid," said Dexter.
"Don't try to talk," said Raven, "save your strength."
"No…this is…important," said Cupid. She then grasped Raven's right hand with her left, Dexter's right hand with her right and brought them together so Raven and Cuthbert were holding hands, "find the love," said Cupid. With that she closed her eyes and didn't open them again.
"Ha!" laughed Cuthbert, "so much for love!"
At that Dexter stood up and glared at Cuthbert, "you bastard!" he then rushed at the vile suited man, leaving Raven and the others still in shock over Cupid's passing.
"So you want to be a hero?" Cuthbert asked as Dexter ran right at him, "then be a dead hero!" he then shot several green energy spheres at Dexter, whom dodged them as they exploded around him. Shouting with righteous fury, Dexter reached Cuthbert and delivered a hard left punch that knocked the vile man down.
"That's for Cupid, you son of a bitch!" shouted Dexter, only for Cuthbert to blast him with dark magic and sent him flying into the air.
"Impudent punk!" snapped Cuthbert as he got up and felt where he was punched, finding a few drops of blood on his fingertips.
By now Raven and the others had recovered from their shock and saw Dexter land a few feet from them.
"Enough dithering around!" said Cuthbert, just as two Salis Worms shuffled up to him and Molted into orange centipede-like creatures, "kill them!"
"You've got us to deal with first, asshole!" snapped TheBee as she and Kabuto stood ready, only for them to dodge lunging attacks from the Termite Worm and Cricket Worm. The two Centipede Worms then rushed in and fought the two armored warriors.
"If you want something done right," said Cuthbert as he straightened his tie, "you have to do it yourself!" he then threw a large sphere of dark magic at Raven and the others.
"No!" shouted Raven as she cast a shield spell. The dark sphere hit the shield and detonated with enough force to knock Raven and the others down, leaving them sore, slightly bruised and bleeding but alive.
"You really are proving yourself to be troublesome, Nightdancer," said Cuthbert as he walked up to Raven, "I only hope that when you're presented before The Obsidian Council, they'll teach you some proper manners."
"Go to hell!" said Raven as she tried to get back up, only for Cuthbert to backhand her across the face and knock her down again.
"Stop it!" Apple shouted as she got to her feet, "stop hurting everyone!"
"If I did that, I'd have to look for another job," said Cuthbert. He then reached into an inner pocket on his sport coat and pulled out a short knife with a black blade that glowed with silver symbols, "how does the story go? The Evil Queen was so jealous of Snow White's beauty that she ordered her heart cut out? This time, the killer won't be swayed by your beauty and innocence, Apple White. This time, you die." With that he advanced towards Apple.
"No!" shouted Daring as he got back up and tried to rush Cuthbert, only for the vile man to blast him back down.
"I don't know what I'll do with your heart once I cut it out, Apple White," said Cuthbert, "I may keep it in a box, or I might just throw it away. I'll figure it out after you're dead."
"You're insane!" exclaimed Apple, "you're not even human!"
"Thank you," said Cuthbert as he reached Apple and was about to grab her, his knife raised for the kill.
But then came the sound of two motorcycles approaching. With a double engine rev, the two bikes jumped over the damaged hedges, their riders being the Masked forms of Drake and Sasword. The two motorcycles landed on the school grounds, accelerated and shot towards Cuthbert, whom dodged them just in time.
The two bikes screeched to a halt as Drake and Sasword dismounted, "sorry we're late," said Drake, "Traffic was just awful."
"We would have gotten here sooner if you hadn't stopped for doughnuts," said an irate Sasword.
"Doughnuts!?" exclaimed TheBee as she fought both the Termite Worm and one of the Centipede Worms, "you're late because of doughnuts!?"
"Hey, they had Bavarian Cream, my favorite," said Drake.
"I like doughnuts as much as the next person," said Kabuto as he struggled against the other Centipede Worm and the Cricket Worm, "but there's a time and a place for everything."
"Then let's make up for lost time," said Drake as he held up his Drake Grip and pulled the tail throttle on the Drake Zector, while Sasword pressed the stinger down on his Sasword Zector. Energy crackled across both of them as the outer sections of their armor separated.
"Cast Off!" Drake and Sasword shouted as Drake pulled the trigger on his blaster, while Sasword pushed the stinger all the way down on his Sasword Yaiver.
CAST OFF
The armor segments blasted outwards. Apple, Cuthbert, Kabuto and TheBee ducked the flying segments, while the four Molted Worms were hit and knocked off their feet.
CHANGE: SCORPION
CHANGE: DRAGONFLY
"Take them on and take them down!" said TheBee.
"You'll get no arguments from me, big mama!" said Drake as the four Molted Worms got back up.
"Don't call me that and I won't break every bone in your body," said TheBee, just as the four Molted Worms accelerated.
"Clock Up!" shouted Kabuto, TheBee, Drake and Sasword as they pressed the buttons on their belts.
CLOCK UP
Reality blurred and brightened as the four riders accelerated into hyper time, leaving everyone else seemingly frozen as they met and began fighting the four Molted Worms.
Back in normal time, Raven got up and glared wrathfully at Cuthbert, "you!" she said as she pointed an accusing finger at the vile man, "you really want me to be evil?! I'll show you evil!"
"I'd love to see you embrace your true heritage," said Cuthbert, "but according to the calculations of my scientific friends, The Negative Flower is just about to bloom."
"I don't think so," said Apple, "you may have hurt a lot of my friends, even gone so far as to murder one of them, but there's one still able to fight."
"Oh, and who's that?" Cuthbert asked.
Apple then smiled, "my dear friend Tiny."
Just then the ground shook, not from a Negative Root-induced tremor, but from a young giant bracing himself as he gripped the Negative Plant and ripped it free of the ground, pulling up several yards of roots at the same time. The roots and stem of the malicious plant began writhing as if it had become sentient and tried to ensnare Tiny, but the young giant began ripping off roots from the stem, each severed root crumbling into ash as it fell to the ground.
Eventually the main stem of the plant ceased its thrashing and lay still in Tiny's hands, while the budding flower dissolved into slime. Tiny threw the dying plant into the air with disgust, the whole vile organism crumbling as it tossed end over end, the resulting dust being carried away harmlessly away by the air.
"Sorry I'm late, Apple," said Tiny, "I had to get a large enough pair of gloves," he then indicated the leather gloves covering his hands, gloves that seemed to have taken entire tanned hides of cows to stitch together.
"I'm glad you did," said Apple, "I don't even want to know what will happen if someone touched that thing with their bare hands."
"No! How dare you!" exclaimed the hologram of Dr. Claymore, "how dare you destroy the perfection that is the Negative Plant!? How dare you!"
Just then the four riders and four Molted Worms returned to normal time, with the four creatures collapsing to the ground, having been beaten halfway to a pulp.
"Time to cut the cake," said Drake as the four Worms began to get back up.
"A fitting metaphor," said Sasword. He then pulled up and pushed down the stinger on his Zector, "Rider Slash!"
RIDER SLASH
"Clock Up!" Sasword shouted as purple energy cracked across his Sasword Yavier and he pressed the button on his bet.
CLOCK UP
Accelerating into hyper time, Sasword rushed at one of the Centipede Worms and delivered multiple spark-inducing strikes.
CLOCK OVER
Reality returned to normal as the Centipede Worm exploded, just as Drake folded the wings on his Drake Zector into a targeting scope, taking aim at the other Centipede Worm.
"Rider Shooting!" said Drake as he pulled the tail throttle.
RIDER SHOOTING
Energy crackled from the Drake Shooter as he pulled the trigger, firing a massive energy blast that hit the Centipede Worm and caused it to explode.
"Rider Sting!" said TheBee as she pressed the button on her Zector.
RIDER STING
Energy crackled across her TheBee Zector and across her armor as TheBee rushed at the Termite Worm. The energy concentrated at the point of the Zector's sting as she delivered a devastating punch to the creature's face, inflicting enough damage to cause it to explode.
At that point, Kabuto pressed the three buttons on his Zector
ONE
TWO
THREE
Kabuto then flipped the horn on his Zector back to its primary position, "Rider Kick!" he said and flicked the horn back again.
RIDER KICK
Red energy crackled out from the beetle-like Zector, concentrating on Kabuto's right foot as he delivered a roundhouse kick to the Cricket Worm's torso and inflicting enough damage to make it explode.
"Victory!" said Drake as he made the peace sign.
"You fools!" Cuthbert snapped, "you may have won the battle tonight, but the war is far from over! And considering that you lost one of your own just now, I'd say this was a shallow victory at best." He then laughed, but then barely dodged a massive blast of dark magic from Raven.
"That's right, keep laughing!" snapped Raven as she charged up another massive dark blast, "laugh your way right into Hell!" she then shot the blast at Cuthbert, whom again barely dodged it.
"Yes, embrace the wickedness!" exclaimed Cuthbert, "make it your own!"
"Shut up!" Raven shouted, as she charged an even larger dark blast, "SHUT UP!"
"I think we had best take our leave," said Dr. Claymore, "wait, what am I saying? I'm using a hologram," she then looked at Cuthbert, "enjoy oblivion," she smiled as the hologram faded out.
"Insufferable scientist!" spat Cuthbert as he summoned a shimmering gray door. He looked at Raven, whom was just about to send the dark blast right at him, "until next time, Nightdancer!" with that he walked into the door, which vanished just as Raven threw the blast, which passed through the empty space and detonated on the ground.
Screaming with unadulterated rage, Raven charged up another dark blast and prepared to throw it in a random direction, when Apple and Dexter grabbed her arms.
"Raven! It's over!" said Dexter urgently, "it's over, he's gone."
"Just calm down, Raven," said Apple, "you don't want to hurt anyone here, do you?"
At that Raven blinked, clearing the fury from her eyes as she looked around and saw Daring, Maddie and the others, while Kabuto, TheBee, Drake and Sasword powered down, revealing Avery, Clare, Jeffrey and Tobias.
"Oh," said Raven as she calmed down and canceled out the dark blast. Her eyes widened with fear and sorrow, "oh no! Cupid!" with that she rushed over to the fallen form of the demigoddess of love.
"Is she…is she…" Raven asked in a choked up voice, unable to finish her sentence that would undoubtedly finalize Cupid's fate.
But then, to the surprise and fright of everyone, Cupid opened her eyes, sat up and pulled the arrow from her chest. A few drops of blood dripped from the wound as it closed within seconds and Cupid stood up, no worse for wear.
"Sorry to scare everyone," Cupid said as she used a handkerchief to wipe her blood from the arrowhead, "It hurt so much, I kinda passed out."
"But…how can you still be alive?" Raven asked.
"Must be a demigod thing," said Hunter.
"Honestly, guys," said Cupid as she put the arrow into her quiver, "do you really think one of my own arrows can kill me? No, it'll take a lot more than that to put me down."
"Well, I'm glad you're alright," said Raven, "I'm glad everyone's alright. Sorry I went a little nuts back there."
"Hey, as far as I'm concerned," said Cerise, "you had every right to go primal."
"Just try not to make any of us collateral damage," said Kitty.
"Great teacups, what a mess!" said Maddie as she looked around at the damage inflicted on Ever After High. Wherever the Negative Roots reached, they left a pulsating purple stain. The enchanted hedges, the grounds, some of the trees and even the main building of the school seemed to have been infected by the wickedness of the Negative Plant.
"If that thing's roots did this," said Apple, "what would have happened if the flower bloomed?"
"I hope we never find out," said Avery, "I know I should be realistic, but I hope with all my heart that we never see another Negative Plant again."
"We will see one again," said Clare, "that asshole Cuthbert, he'll try something like this again, but I also hope he won't."
…The Enemy Lair…
"Where is she!?" Cuthbert exclaimed as he burst through the doors of the laboratory, scattering frightened scientists and technicians about with psychic blasts. "Where is that worthless wench who's pointless proposal resulted in my humiliation and the loss of a nearly matured Negative Plant!?"
"Mr. Snyder! Calm yourself!" said Dr. Falchion, "this wasn't the fault of Dr. Claymore!"
"If anyone is to blame," said Dr. Stiletto, "it's those miserable meddling brats."
"And those conniving Kamen Riders," said Dr. Scimitar.
"I'll deal with those troublemakers when the time is right!" said Cuthbert, "but now, I have an incompetent bitch to admonish! Where is Dr. Claymore!?"
"Right here, Mr. Snyder," said Dr. Claymore as she appeared behind Cuthbert.
"Thank you," said Cuthbert. He then turned around and threw a green sphere of dark magic at Dr. Claymore, but the sphere passed through the scientist and detonated on the floor, starting a fire that the technicians were quick to put out with fire extinguishers.
"Stop hiding behind holograms, you trollop!" Cuthbert spat, "get over here so I can kill you!"
"I'm afraid you can't do that," said Dr. Claymore, "it's in my contract." Just then a flying tablet hovered in front of Cuthbert and began scrolling a long and detailed contract, "section 3, subsection 5, paragraph 9 clearly states that I and my fellow Foundation X scientists are untouchable. Any attempt on my life or the lives of my comrades at the hands of The Obsidian Council, Dai-Shocker or any involved proxies will not be tolerated."
"I almost forgot about that little insurance policy," said Dr. Scimitar.
"It seems you have me at a slight disadvantage," said Cuthbert as he read the indicated clause of the contract, "but that still doesn't excuse you from tonight's fiasco. You are responsible for the loss of the Negative Plant and you will be held accountable for this failure."
"On the contrary, Mr. Snyder," said Dr. Claymore, "tonight's excursion was only a partial failure."
"A partial failure?" Cuthbert asked, "I don't understand."
"Allow me to elaborate," said Dr. Claymore, "you instructed me and my comrades to come up with a plan to get a Negative Seed inside the protective boundaries of Ever After High. The vocal modulation implant I designed and grafted to the Cricket Worm granted you and our forces passage through the enchanted hedges. The seed was then planted on the school grounds and it sprouted into the Negative Plant. In a sense, I did as you asked, Mr. Snyder. Ergo, Mission Accomplished."
"Touché, Dr. Claymore," said Cuthbert coldly, "next time, however, I expect the plan to be carried out all the way. I want a Negative Plant to bloom and spread its spores across this miserable world."
"It will, Mr. Snyder," said Dr. Claymore, "I'm already working on a plan to do just that. The key is to eliminate the telltale tremors of the Negative Roots."
"Yes, the tremors are a dead giveaway," said Cuthbert. He looked at Dr. Falchion, "can the tremors be eliminated?"
"I don't see why not," said Dr. Falchion, "it will take time to modify the genetic structure of the roots so they do not cause such drastic seismic activity, but it can be done."
"And we can modify The Worms into more powerful fighters," said Dr. Claymore, "those pesky Kamen Riders are becoming quite a nuisance."
"Indeed they are," said Cuthbert, "how soon can you modify The Worms?"
"I'm already coming up with the means to do so," said Dr. Claymore, "as well as a plan that will blow your mind. I just need time to properly flush it out."
"I expect a full report on my desk within twenty-four hours," said Cuthbert. "In the meantime, prepare another Negative Seed and select the next target location. The Obsidian Council demands that this world be corrupted and it will, no matter how long it takes."
"It will be ask you declared, Mr. Snyder," said Dr. Claymore.
"See that it is," said Cuthbert, "and see that you stay in my good graces, Dr. Claymore. Your cunning and weaseling may have spared you this time, but another debacle like tonight and I will be eating my breakfast cereal out of the bottom of your skull, and I mean it!" with that he exited the lab.
"He will kill you," said Dr. Falchion as the hologram of Dr. Claymore faded out and the real Dr. Claymore appeared from behind a holographic camouflage field of a computer server. "Sooner or later, that man will lose his patience and one of us will die."
"And you're at the top of his hit list," said Dr. Stiletto to Dr. Claymore.
"By the time he crosses that line," said Dr. Claymore as she smiled viciously, "he'll be putty in my hand. In the meantime, we might as well move forward with our true plan." She then called up a holographic image of Clare and an image her as TheBee.
"You really think she's the one suited for our purpose?" Dr. Scimitar asked.
"Yes, my mild mannered malcontent," said Dr. Claymore as she looked at the holograms of Clare and TheBee, "this child is exactly the one we need."
…The End Is Just The Beginning…
