Now kids, I'll tell you the cold heart truth.
It may not be nice, but it's something you need to know.

It's that even if fairytales can be joyous and happy,
Beneath that there's darkness, filled with empty souls.

Though I can't rhyme, and the words I speak,
May seem like words spilled in clusters,

I think you should know the tale of darkness
And I promise to squeeze the joy I can muster.

...

Once in a faraway land, there were six friends stuck in a fairytale.
It may seem like a dream, but trust me, it's dark without no fail.

There was a maid, beautiful of heart, portrayed by a vampire who was kind and caring.
I bet you think you think you know the rest, but trust me when I say there's more for sharing.

A young boy, mischievous of mind, who decided it was okay to steal gold from a giant.
A tale that's been told millions of times, but he's missing a child; don't worry, he'll find it.

A girl, hood as red as blood, who was visiting her grandma, but alas got lost in the woods.
Confronted by a wolf, she fled with the hunter, and took everything she possibly could.

A trapped maiden, hair like finest gold, who was stuck in a tower by her evil mother.
The story's been twisted for God knows how long, because the story begins with another.

A wealthy prince, searching for a bride, and he got too much in his dreams.
But thanks to that maid he found love; she's back, so I hope you're pleased.

A fair man, curious of soul, stole a ruby ring, and played an evil part.
But finding that girl, threaded with gold hair, placed the love in his heart.

You see? Things are turning up now, since everyone found each other.
But trust me, the story's not done, because now I say another.

A witch, evil as darkness itself, who cursed the teens into a twisted fairytale.
But she knew in her heart there was good; it was just small, weak and frail.

She twisted them, conceived them; played them like pawns.
'Till they thought they defeated her, but not for long.

For the story doesn't end, and a child unborn arrives.
And origins are revealed, and with parents, twisted lies.

That maid I said?
Her heart broke when her lover did.

That mischievous young boy I mentioned?
His trust in her, gone; tough life, I said, kid.

The girl in the woods?
No blood with her family.

And that maiden in the tower?
Dealing with him lost her sanity.

That wealthy prince?
Crumbled beneath lies.

That fair man, once a thief?
Couldn't find himself with many tries.

The witch has won, and should be very pleased.
But deep inside, you're wrong; you'll see.

For this witch was no witch, but yet another pawn,
And the one person she loved was playing them all.

With the power of what was an unbreakable heart,
She captured them all, just to make a mark.

Bringing them to a land, that was once innocent and beautiful
Now filled with shadows, monsters, not one of them pitiful.

The witch turned 'round for the better, and helped the broken.
She was finding their happiness, and kindness was her token.

They travelled the dark land, putting happiness in your stories.
All while fighting monsters; and what's next is a bit gory.

For the girl in the woods, with no blood to share,
Became a shell of a woman, and it was just not fair.

While they all found their happiness, she was the only one.
Who couldn't ever find the love she wanted, and just never won.

So when the traitor's castle was finally above them,
She thought it was time to leave this cruel kingdom.

And when the battle had finally commenced,
Was when the words were spoken; it was for the best.

The girl with no blood was oozing in crimson,
And her brother-not-brother was mad at gift given.

Remember that witch, I told you about?
Well, she ends up playing a big role, no doubt.

And for once in her life, she did not turn to slaughter
For the girl with no blood reminded her of her daughter.

She said the words, soft and frail
And exchanged her life for the survival of her tale.

...

So I say the words today, kids, that there was no happy ending.
But I think that's only 'cause the ending, was just the beginning.

Yeah, she died - so sad, boohoo.
But out of it, blossomed a tale anew.

For now, finally, at the end of their rhyme,
so begins another,

Once Upon A Time.

Jane closed the book as she looked at Stephanie's grave.

"The End."