A/N:
Hi guys, I just wanted to throw this quick Authors note in this chapter so I can tell you the names of the songs used in this chapter. The first song is called Shatter Me, originally by Lindsay Stirling, but the song that I used in this chapter is a cover by Cole Rolland, I do recommend you listen to that one as it is the version I based this chapter off of, hell this entire arc was created from this single song. That should show you how powerful music can be hehe.
The second song is called No Ordinary Love by Memphis May Fire. This is a very powerful song if you understand it's meaning, it has a couple, but it's mostly about Love and God, if you aren't Christian, then I suppose you can see it as a love song where the love went stale. If you watch the music video, the love shown is that is the unconditional love that a father has for his children no matter what they become in life. So once again, I do remind you to listen to those songs while reading this, as it will improve the overall impact, tell me how did you guys! Again Merry Christmas...I'm gonna grab me some booze now, peace!
Ever After High
Through the Looking-Glass
Chapter 35
The Winter Formal Finale
Key for the songs:
Shatter Me (Cole Rolland version) : Italics-Lizzie singing
No Ordinary Love: Italics-Blake singing
Bold Italics: Dexter Screaming
After the first announcements, the Winter Formal was in full swing. The students of Ever After High were milling about, hanging out with friends and eating food. Everyone was of course wondering when the winter concert was set to start. One of them being Crystal Winter, who was the guest of honor. She didn't bother dressing up like everyone else, wanting to just stay comfortable in her own winter clothing. She could change with a flick of a wrist if she wanted, but she didn't want to bring anymore attention to herself. She was standing next to the refreshment table, holding a cup of fruit juice in her hands, taking small sips from it.
She spotted Kitty among the crowd, it wasn't hard for her to stand out. The dress she was wearing was something out of a storybook. She had been expecting her to wear something more fitting the daughter of the Cheshire Cat, but here she was, wearing a music box on her head. It certainly did fit the Wonderland style the girl would no doubt be wearing. She was holding something in her hands as well, covered by a white cloth, and she wasn't letting anyone see it. Whenever someone wanted to, she would just disappear and flash somewhere else. Similarly, Apple was moving around the crowd, trying not to say anything about her role in the performance.
Crystal took another sip from her drink, wondering just what Blake had been planning. He hadn't let her see the stage at all, but directing her hand, she was able to cast an ice spell creating a stairwell in the center of the stage. After thanking her various times, he told her to leave. While she was disappointed, she knew he wouldn't hold back during this performance, so she would be waiting patiently just like everyone else, even if her inner child was screaming.
"Hey Crystal, how are you holding up?" Briar asked, earning a smile from her mint haired friend.
"I'm fine...just wondering when this show is going to start. Everyone is talking about it, but no one knows jack." she said, finishing her juice.
"Mhmm, I'm honestly getting choked up by it all. But I know Blake isn't going to disappoint us, he didn't hold back during Thronecoming. He won't back down this time." she said, pouring herself some juice.
"I know, I trust him. He's so intelligent, that I'm sure he worked every kink out of this performance." she said, her cheeks flushing.
"Oh brother...you still have the hots for him. Girl, you need to forget about that, he's already in a relationship."
"Just because a goal has a goalie doesn't mean I can't score." Crystal said, giving her a playful smirk. Briar blinked a few times, shaking her head as she drank from her cup, knowing she couldn't talk her friend out of liking someone.
Apple sighed, being hounded for answers constantly was something she was ready for. But she held her ground, knowing that if she spilled anything the performance would be ruined. People already knew about the Mechanical Heart, so she had no issue with hiding it. Cedar had taken various pictures of her and Kitty for the yearbook, asking them what the purpose of their outfits were. The two girls of course remained silent, with Kitty disappearing right after, making sure to keep the music box hidden.
She was shivering, not from the fact that she was wearing a sleeveless dress, but because she was nervous. Small puffs of air trailed from her lips, visible due to the cold. She had gone through the routine several times in the past, had followed after Kitty's lead, had helped her out with her duties as the Box Keeper. She had the entire routine memorized, the movements were down pat and she was confident she could nail them down. It was the fact that she was one of the most important people in the show that was making her nervous. She had to protect the Mechanical Heart with every ounce of her power, because without it, the performance wouldn't begin. It didn't help that she didn't know what the signal was going to be either. She took a deep breath, steeling her nerves.
"Apple, are you alright?" the voice of Ashlynn asked, making the girl jolt. The blonde girl gave her a nod, taking a hold of the heart in her hand.
"I'm fine...just a bit cold." she said.
"Now Apple, I know you aren't a liar. Are you nervous?"
"I...yes, I'm nervous. I'm the most important part of this show Ash, without the heart, they can't start. I'm just scared I'll mess it up."
"You aren't going too. Apple White you have been practicing this for days now, I'm sure you've been through the ringer. So chin up, shoulders back and when it's your cue, just go for it." Ashlynn said, earning a smile from her friend.
"Okay, thanks Ashlynn. For helping me calm down."
"No problem...hey do you think my dress is alright? I didn't want to be cold so I picked a layered one." she said, gesturing to the light blue and white dress she was wearing.
"I think it's fine. Are you looking forward to your dance with Blake?" Apple asked, earning a nod from the auburn haired girl.
"I am, Hunter laughed when I told him not to worry, that I wasn't going to let Blake steal me away." she said, earning a giggle from her friend.
"As if that would happen. He likes Cerise too much, and Hunter is one of his closest friends here...much more than Joey. Speaking of, have you seen him?" Apple asked, a worried look on her face as she looked around.
"I did, he was inside with Jack, Pierre and Frost. Apparently they're reforming Yuletide Bliss...I've noticed he and Blake haven't been getting along. Do you know anything about that?"
"Not a lot of details, but I do know that it has to do with their missing friend Lucy. They kept some secrets from each other, so their trust is broken. It'll take awhile before they can trust each other, but if they're as close as brothers, they'll definitely get that bond back." the blonde girl said, glancing around the courtyard. She spotted Kitty, who gave her a bright grin and a wave before disappearing again, just as Blondie tried to approach her.
"Hey, how exactly will you know when it's time for you to head to the stage?" Ashlynn asked, earning a shrug from Apple.
"I'm not sure, Blake said that we would know what the signal was when we saw it. But he never specified what exactly it was...it could be anything at this point." she said with a shrug. Neither girl noticed Raven Queen glancing at the message she had just gotten. If they had, they would have seen her reach for the Flare gun tucked behind her back.
"Knowing Blake, it's going to be something big and bold, something that will get everyone's attention." Ashlynn said. A loud hiss filled the air, causing everyone to look up into the air watching a violet streak climb high into the air, shortly before exploding, forming a brilliant violet ball of light in the air. Apple swallowed hard, giving her friend a nod.
(Ashlynn's Point of View)
I watched as the crowd parted, Apple and Kitty started making their way toward the stage, the curtains were slowly being drawn, grabbing everyone's attention. The stage was completely dark, nothing was visible on it. The two girls slowly walked up the side steps, not uttering a single word as a single light came on above them. We all watched intently, as Kitty made her way to the back of the stage, placing the item she was holding in her hands on the platform, taking the white cloth off of it. She took off the bracelet from around her wrist, handing it to Apple, who mounted the Mechanical Heart onto the box, winding the key as she had done several times before. The sound of the winding key echoed through the empty area, drawing all of our attention. I noticed that while she did that, Kitty took her place near some levers that barely peeked through the darkness. She took a hold of the red one, glancing at Apple, as if her job depending on whether she pushed or pulled it.
Once Apple finished winding the heart, a soft xylophone started being played, the music started flowing through the speakers. Kitty pushed the lever forward the sound cutting through the music, the hanging lights to slowly turned on, shedding a bit of light onto the stage. Everyone looked up to the second floor, gasping a bit when the only thing the could see were two crimson hearts, due to the darkness surrounding the balcony. I also took notice of the glowing guitar strings, no doubt belonging to Blake. I couldn't see anyone else on the lower stage, but I knew they were there, waiting for their cue.
"I pirouette in the dark,
I see the stars through a mirror."
I looked up to the balcony, noticing the different colors as each note was carefully played. With the rising light, it became much easier to see who was singing, and to my surprise it was Lizzie Hearts, the glowing heart on the left side of her face should have been an indicator. She bowed her head a bit, a smile on her lips.
Tired mechanical heart
Beat till the song disappears."
This time, the notes were a bit higher in pitch. It was then that I was noticing the lights slowly turning on around them. Everyone on the stage was wearing rather interesting outfits, that somehow fit with the theme. As Blake finished the next part, he and Lizzie started moving toward the stairs.
"Somebody shine a light
I'm frozen by the fear in me
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me!
So cut me from the line!
Dizzy spinning endlessly
Somebody make feel alive
And Shatter me!"
The two spun around each other as they sung, Blake didn't miss a single beat as the other instruments joined into the melody. As soon as they had finished, he and Lizzie separated, stepping onto two platforms across from each other, being bathed by red light.
"Shatter Me!"
As the black haired boy started playing the next part of the song, I noticed Duchess dancing around the stage. I hadn't even noticed her enter. Getting closer, I noticed the shining wires keeping her in place as she moved around the stage, giving her movements light airy steps.
"Somebody make me feel alive
And Shatter me!"
Duchess moved back a bit, as Lizzy got ready for the next part of the song. A spot light appeared above her, as she stayed still, almost as if she was a ballerina inside a music box.
"If only the clockworks could speak
I wouldn't be so alone."
The daughter of the Swan Princess slowly start moving, looking almost robotic as she started taking a few light steps around Blake's platform.
"We'd burn every magnet and spring
And spiral into the unknown."
The song picked up a bit, causing Duchess to move in wider arcs around the stage. She stopped a few times, tugging on her bindings before continuing her dance. To me, it was obvious that she was a ballerina being held back by the bindings, which would equate to being trapped by a music box. Lizzie and Blake were moving slightly as well, but their movements were so slight that they would have most likely gone unnoticed.
"Somebody shine a light
I'm frozen by the fear in me
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me!
So cut me from the line!
Dizzy spinning endlessly
Somebody make feel alive
And Shatter me!"
The light focused on Duchess once more, her eyes were closed as she continued dancing. Her movements while lithe and precise were constantly being interrupted by the attachments on her arms and legs. Everyone around me took notice of this too, it was almost as if she was being forced to dance by these wires, and she was trying to break free. She expression on her face was enough for me to interpret this. Blake and Lizzie slowly turned to face each other, baring no expression on their faces.
"Shatter Me!"
Much like everyone else, my focus was on Duchess who was slowly being lifted off the ground. She almost hung there like a lifeless puppet, unable to move, as if the ballerina from the box had stopped. Slowly but surely, I noticed the monochrome ballerina trying to break free from her bindings.
"Somebody make me feel alive
And Shatter Me!"
"If I break the glass then I'll have to fly
There's no one to catch me if I take a dive
I'm scared of changing, the days stay the same
The world is spinning, but only in gray.
If I break the glass than I'll have to fly
There's no one to catch me if I take a dive
I'm scared of changing, the days stay the same
The world is spinning but only in gray.
Duchess, who had been fighting against her ropes stopped resisting slowly being lowered back to the stage. She bowed slightly, glancing at the wires on her wrists, a hopeful look on her face. She felt them pull against her one final time, before she snapped free of them. A look of surprised washed over her face, and she quickly reached for her hair, pulling it from her bun. She reached behind her back, tugging on a chord, and in a flash a long feathery train appeared around her waist. She started dancing like before, only this time it was different, her movements were refined, daring and free.
"Somebody shine a light
I'm frozen by the fear in me
Somebody make me feel alive
And shatter me!
So cut me from the line!
Dizzy spinning endlessly
Somebody make feel alive
And Shatter me!
Somebody make me feel alive
And Shatter me!"
Lizzie's voice carried through the area, slowly fading away with the final notes of the song. She was panting a bit, a bright smile on her face. Everyone else on stage was much in the same state, nervousness clearly washing over them. For a second everyone remained silent, an explosion of cheers ringing out. My shock turned into happiness as I joined in the applause.
(Normal P.O.V.)
"Hello everyone, by your resounding applause I can tell our performance was good, at least I hope so. We would like to thank everyone for your patience, I can tell all of you wanted to know what we were cooking up for tonight, and this was it." Blake said, causing everyone to break into applause again.
"We worked super hard to put this all together for all of you. It wasn't just our music, but we couldn't have done it without Lizzie Hearts, Farrah Goodfairy, Kitty Cheshire, Apple White, Humphrey Dumpty, Hopper Croakington II and of course our star dancer Duchess Swan. So thank you all for helping us with this!" Cupid said happily, applauding the others.
"We can't leave out Raven Queen, who gave Apple and Kitty their signal. So give her applause too!" Blake said, causing everyone to look at Raven, who was trying to hide her blush.
"The night is just beginning, and we've got three more songs lined up for you all. After which, our guest of honor will welcome the first snowfall of Winter!" Melody cried out. Cupid begun the melody for the next song, just as Blake grabbed the microphone before him, having gotten off his platform.
"Here I stand, nothing more than a broken man
Staring death in the face, all my mistakes
Have got a hold on me, again!
Here we go! Another day, another fork in the road
I never know who to trust, will someone just tell me
Which way to go?"
"I need a sign!
I need a miracle!
I need to know that this is possible
I've just failed so many times
Is there any way that I can make it right?
God, if you're there I need to hear you now!"
"Come back to me love
I forgive you!
Oh how I've missed you!
Just know every time you run
I'll be right here waiting!
Yeah!"
Blake's hair moved wildly as he started headbanging. Cupid's fingers were flying across the neck of her guitar, a rather firm look on her face. She was tapping her foot slightly to keep her rhythm. Dexter was much the same as Blake, his notes being more firm than the sharper ones of the guitar. He licked his lips, winking at the crowd as he took a breath of air.
"This is no ordinary love!
Listen up! Listen up!
This is no ordinary love!
Listen up, this love is unconditional!"
"I'm so afraid to admit that you're real
Cause I'm afraid of what I might feel
When your words start to come to life
And it brings my demons into the light,
I know you're here. I shiver as you whisper in my ear
Child have no fear."
"Come back to me love
I forgive you!
Oh how I've missed you!
Just know ever time you run
I'll be right here waiting!
Come back to me love.
I hope you know I'm always with you!
Oh I forgive you!"
Blake and Dexter both bowed their heads a bit, as the somber tone of the melody started to take over. The bass line was completely silent, the heavy sounds of each string slowly making their way back into the melody along with the heavy drums. Blake swallowed the lump in his throat, sighing slightly as he once again took a hold of the microphone.
"We lose faith in things unseen
Unsure of what to believe
Just dying to be loved, when love's right in front of us
We give up on our hopes and dreams
Let doubt take everything!
The door will open when we realize we don't hold the key!"
"I tried to save myself but I failed!
I Failed!"
"Come back to me love
I forgive you!
Oh how I've missed you!
Just know ever time you run
I'll be right here waiting!
Come back to me love,
I forgive you!
I hope you know that I'm always with you.
I forgive you!"
Blake gave the crowd a smile as they once again broke for applause. He bowed slightly, pointing to Dexter with a grin on his face.
"Give it up for Dexter, who know he could scream like that eh? He's got a fine job in the Post Hardcore Genre." he said happily. The boy blushed brightly, looking down at the ground in embarrassment.
"I'm gonna hand the microphone over to Cupid, I've had my fun singing, so give it up for her. Our beautiful angel is sure to swoon the hearts of many!" Blake said, stepping back as he let Cupid take over the lead.
As the next song started, Joey couldn't help but notice something. It was how good Purple Rhapsody was. Blake had said before that he only sung covers of songs, Shatter Me being proof enough. But he still couldn't believe everyone was hooked onto their music. In his opinion, their music wasn't that amazing, since he had heard those songs before. But their dynamic was what sold the performance. They were all confident in their skills, smiling brightly, having fun. It was something that drove his ire a bit. Jack stood beside his new friend, his eyes trained on the stage.
"They're good aren't they? They totally whooped our asses back during the talent show, then again none of us played when Henry was around. They've gotten much better since then." he said.
"Have they? This is the first performance I'm seeing...I wasn't around for Thronecoming, so I can't judge them."
"Oh they were phenomenal. Our band needs some serious fixing if we want to compete against them." Frost said, arms crossed over his chest. His head bobbing slightly to the beat of Cupid's song.
"I agree with Frosty the Dopeman over here...we've got some serious work to do. I think we should start by changing the name...Yuletide Bliss will just remind people of who we used to be." Pierre said, earning a growl from Frost.
"How about...Yuletide Bliss: Re-imagined? It's the same band, but with different leads, different music, different everything. You could do remixes of your old songs and re-brand them. I even got an idea for our first song, All I want for Christmas is the Charges dropped." Joey said.
"That's not a bad idea...we can definitely use the songs we got. After all, when we all came up with that contract we agreed that any songs produced under our label belonged to the band. Even if Henry somehow comes back, he wouldn't be able to do crap." Jack said, nodding to himself.
"Yeah, but we are definitely not doing that song." Pierre said, earning a chuckle from Joey.
"That's true...we can start after New Chapter Day, maybe by the time the Spring Fairest comes around, we can have enough songs to compete. There's a battle of the bands at that point, we can go head to head with them." Frost said, earning Joey's curiosity.
"A battle of the bands you say? So people just get into bands and play against each other?"
"Yup, Yuletide Bliss won last year. But with Purple Rhapsody being around, everyone is gonna have some stiff competition. We gotta come up with songs that will outsell them, and right now, I doubt that's possible." Pierre said.
"Hmm...this is all so very...interesting. We'll have to work on our image first...they got that whole, steam punk thing going on...we need something like that. Something that'll attract attention." Joey said.
"I agree with you, we'll have plenty of time to come up with it." Frost said, earning nods from everyone. Joey smirked, glancing back to the stage, where his best friend was strumming his guitar like no tomorrow.
"Looks like the Spring Fairest is going to be the worst event for you my friend. Everything is culminating on that one point, it'll be perfect watching your life slowly derail. This is going to be sweet."
xxx
"Alright everyone, that concludes our performance for the night. Melody will take over with the music, but now I would like to call Crystal Winter to the stage, along with my awesome sister Raven!" Blake cried out.
Crystal looked relieved as she moved toward the stage, an excited look on her face. Raven trailed after her, a smirk on her face. It was rather obvious that the Snow Princess had feelings for her surrogate brother, but the boy was too dense to notice it. She stood next to Crystal, as Blake handed the microphone to Apple who took his spot on the stage. She gave everyone a wave, along with a heartwarming smile.
"I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight. Purple Rhapsody has outdone themselves as always. It was an honor to be a part of such a wonderful event. As you all know, the first day of Winter is traditionally spellebrated with the Winter Formal. The Snow King and Queen would arrive and help us all welcome the first snowfall of winter. This year however, the Snow King fell ill, and he and his wife were unable to make it. Which is why Crystal Winter, their daughter is here with us tonight." Apple said, handing the microphone to the Snow Princess.
"It's an honor being here everyone. Winter is a magical time of year, we have snow and cold temperatures. For everyone not used to the cold, that means you can huddle by the fire with loved ones, roasting chestnuts and drinking copious amounts of delicious hot chocolate. I'm sort of in the mood for that now, so you better not drink it all Maddie, I'm watching you like a hawk!" the girl said, causing everyone to look at the daughter of the Mad Hatter, who just grinned, ignoring the fact she had a whipped cream mustache on her face.
"Crystal...the snowfall?" Apple said softly.
"Oh right yes...my mother and father love this tradition...it's something that we all take seriously. The first snowfall of winter is always the most magical, because it is the day we welcome winter! We get ready for Christmas four days from now, and to welcome the new year on New Chapter Day. So, it is with great pleasure and honor that I, Crystal Winter, daughter of the Snow Queen welcome Winter to Ever After!" she cried, aiming her wand at the Christmas tree.
Her ice magic swirled around the top of the tree, forming a large snowflake shaped star made entirely of ice. After it had finished forming around the top of the tree, Crystal flicked her wrist, sending another icy blast into the air, forming a large gray cloud. Everyone started clapping and cheering as the first few snowflakes started falling on Ever After High.
"Now, the traditional first dance of Winter! Raffle winners, grab your partners!" Apple happily cried out. Blake walked back down onto the plaza with Raven, giving her a hug as she walked toward Dexter. The boy was flushing brightly, not knowing what to do when the girl approached him. Raven just took a hold of his hand, pulling him along.
"Hi Blake...are you ready to dance?" Ashlynn asked, grabbing his attention.
"Oh...yeah right...I'm super ready. Let's just hope your Glass slippers are slip resistant." he said jokingly, as the music started flowing through the speakers. He gave a subtle nod to Hunter who just gave him a thumbs up as they passed by.
"Don't worry, I'm wearing my winter heels, they have traction on them." she said, making the boy chuckle.
A few minutes after the first dance of Winter, Blake escorted Ashlynn back to Hunter, who had taken a lot of pictures of the two. Ashlynn found it rather embarrassing, but the two boys just laughed it off, bumping fists in a friendly matter. He had told Ashlynn that if it made her feel better, he could let Hunter dance with Cerise so they would be even. She said it was fine, and was whisked away by her boyfriend, who was holding a mistletoe in his hand, in a manner that she didn't see it. It wasn't long before he found himself in front of the food table. It wasn't long before Cerise joined him, tearing into a turkey leg.
"Who knew being in a band could make you so damn hungry?" he said, earning a grunt from the girl. He still wasn't used to her voracious appetite. He heard a plate clattering beside him and turned his head slightly, seeing Ramona grabbing some food for herself. His eyes widened a bit when he saw the food piled on the plate.
"Jesus, that's enough to feed four people. Four turkey legs, half a ham...what the hell is that brown stuff, fried noodles?" he asked.
"Shut up, I'm half wolf. I gotta get it while it's hot, besides my sister eats three times more than I do when she's hungry." she said, pointing to Cerise who had already cleaned her turkey bone, tossing it into the trash. She grabbed a napkin dabbing it gently against her lips.
"That's a bullshit lie, I wasn't the one that ate Granny's pie when she set it out to cool." Cerise said.
"Hey, I'm a Badwolf. Someone sets a pie in a window, it's free pickings for me."
"That's horrible Momo, if you're gonna steal a pie at least bring the tin back so they can make another one." Blake said, scooping some mashed potatoes and gravy into his mouth.
"It was disposable, and Granny had another one in the oven so it didn't matter. I'm gonna go back to my stairwell and scarf this down in peace, feel free to join me if you want."
"It's fine, I'd rather eat in public...I'm not ashamed of being a pig." Blake said, earning a sly smirk from Ramona as she walked off. Cerise sighed, grabbing some more food for herself.
"She forgot to say that she hides from people when she eats because she feels embarrassed. She's really weird about it too, she never eats in public, says people look at her weird when she does."
"Now that you mention it, I've never seen her in the castleteria around lunch time. The only time I saw her eat something was during your birthday party, and that picnic we had a couple weeks ago." he said.
"That's because mom was there to ease her nerves, and because you're practically family. Speaking of that, my grandmother made you something, but she told me not to let you open it until Christmas day."
"Aw...that's so sweet of her, I'm gonna have to get her something too. I've already gotten the Christmas shopping off the list, and hid everything where no one can find it." Blake said happily.
"Oh...that makes me wonder, what did you get me? Any hints?" the hooded girl asked. He was going to say something, but someone else beat him to the punch.
"He got you strawberry flavored condoms, so you can blow him with extra flavor."
"Kitty! What the fuck!" Blake cried out, earning a giggle from the violet haired girl. Cerise flushed as bright as her hood, glancing at the floor.
"The expression on your face was priceless! Oh, you shouldn't set yourself up for it, because I'll take advantage of your innocence. I came to give you this bracelet back." she said, wrapping the golden charm bracelet around his wrist.
"Oh...I completely forgot about that...thank you Kitty."
"No, thank you for making the Winter Formal so awesome. No one ever trusts me with anything, because of my pranky nature. But you trusted me, and that means a lot to me." she said, giving the boy a kiss on the cheek. She flashed away with a giggle before Cerise could say anything.
"I'm gonna get that damn cat back one day." she said, earning a chuckle from Blake.
"Oh, you know she's just trying to rile you up. I like cats, but I like wolves just a little better." he said, kissing her forehead. She flushed brightly, doing nothing to hide her smile.
xxx(Christmas Eve)xxx
Christmas Eve in Ever After was just like in any other place, filled with holiday cheer. Some people had gone home to their families, like the Charming Siblings, who had left the day after the Winter Formal. It was the same for Ashlynn and Briar who bid farewell to Crystal before they left home. Most of the school was empty, save for those students that decided to stick around, or those who didn't have a home to go back too. It was those people that either lived in another realm, or just couldn't do back home due to some circumstances. Blake was one of these people. He was currently walking around the Village of Bookend, just enjoying the cold weather. It had been while since he had just taken a walk by himself, being away from everything.
People were shoveling their entrance ways and driveways. Some greeted him by name, congratulating him for his awesome performance. Some of the children even asked for his autograph, which made him a bit embarrassed. That had stopped after a few minutes, and he just continued his trek through the town, coming to a stop by the edge of the frozen lake. It had been awhile since he had played a game of hockey, the last one being when Crystal first came to Ever After. It was also the last time he and Joey had been friendly to each other. He honestly didn't know what was going on with him. He was starting to worry for his friend, and honestly didn't know what to make of anything. He could try to talk to him, but knowing how Joey acted, he knew it wouldn't go anywhere. He leaned up against a nearby tree, shaking a bit of snow from it, making him shiver as it made contact with his skin. The light crunching of snow filled his ears, and he looked away from the frozen lake, not surprised to see Joey standing next to him. They shared a look, deciding to remain silent.
Often times, Blake wished he had the power to read other people's minds. Just by his posture, he could tell that Joey was a bit tense. Like he was unsure of something. If that meant he was going to apologize or something else, Blake didn't know. But he knew the brown haired young man was there for a reason, he just didn't know what it was. Finally after a few minutes of silence, he saw Joey look away from the lake, a firm look on his face.
"Listen, the last few days have been a little...difficult for me. You're mad at me because I chose to stay in Ever After...I get that. But you have to understand, I didn't have a good life back home."
"You didn't have a good life because you didn't appreciate the little things. Your mother works hard day in and day out, imagine the anguish and turmoil she must be going through, knowing her son is missing. You had the chance to go back home, but you didn't...so no, I can't ever forgive that." Blake said firmly, not taking his eyes away from the lake.
"I get that."
"No you don't. I didn't have a choice to go back like you did...and it hurts that my best friend chose to stay here, knowing that he had a way back. I didn't do it because I had that choice, I stayed because I couldn't go back. I'm happy, that my family forgot me...that way they wouldn't suffer...but while they are blissfully unaware of my existence on Earth, I'm standing here, wishing I could see them again...that I could spend Christmas with them." the black haired teen said, glancing away from the lake.
"Hey, I'm sure they'll remember one day...besides, you have it good here. You just gotta let it go." Joey said, earning a growl from the boy.
"And forget them? Hell no. I will never forget my family, I'm never letting go of them, or Lucy...they're the only thing I have left that reminds me of my old home. I took it all for granted, I get that. I should have spent more time with them, instead of ignoring them all the time. But what could I do? I found out I was adopted when I was ten. How do you think I felt? Looking at the twins and realizing they weren't my sisters?" he asked, bowing his head.
"You're right...I don't know how that feels. But I do know that they at least gave you what you needed to make you happy."
"I didn't want it. I wanted fucking answers, and when I got them I felt fucking empty inside. I regret just ignoring them at every given moment...but I was finally coming around...and then Lucy left. Blow after blow, I just took it. I didn't even care about my schooling, my grades anything. But I was at least looking forward to that trip to Hawaii...I thought it was what we needed to be a family again. I guess I'll never get that vacation. I'm happier now, I think."
"Why wouldn't you be? You got it good here, surrounded by people that like you, a beautiful girlfriend. You have so many good things, at least you don't take it all for granted now." Joey said.
"The moment I stepped through that mirror, was the moment my life ended. Now that I'm in Ever After, I'm going to live my life to the fullest...I'll follow Lucy's advice. You only live once upon a time, I will find my way...craft my own destiny. I will help my friends, find my way to Wonderland, break it's curse, I will do anything and everything to make sure my friends are happy...that's my destiny." he said.
"You're destiny eh...I've been hearing things...about the Storybook of Legends...how exactly do you think it works? If you get a blank page, can you write your name in it?"
"Hell if I know...I've never seen the real Storybook, just the fake one that the Headmaster was keeping. The real book is lost, stolen by the Evil Queen, wouldn't surprise me if it was in the Mirror Realm with her." Blake said, glancing back at the lake.
"I don't think so, you said the Evil Queen stole it right? And she got trapped in the Mirror Realm when she tried taking over Wonderland...so it has to be there, don't you think?" Joey asked, earning a shrug from the boy.
"Following your logic, yes it should be in Wonderland. However the Evil Queen doesn't follow logic, after all she did put three fail safes on me should I try to leave for Earth. The bitch is planning something, and right now I'm nothing more than her pawn. But she forgot an important thing she she turned me into her pawn." he said.
"Oh...and what would that be?" Joey asked curiously, earning a smirk from Blake, who held his hand out. His palm was swirling with magic, taking the form of a chess piece, the Queen.
"A pawn can easily be promoted to a queen. When I get my shot, I'll stop her in her tracks, then it'll be checkmate for me." he said, closing his hand letting the magic fizzle out.
"You need to teach me that...I got my own magic but I can't get a grasp of it." Joey said, earning a frown from Blake.
"Sorry, I can't teach a light magic user how to use their magic. I learned most of this from trial and error and from Raven. You're better off learning magic from someone who can handle light based spells." he said, earning a nod from the boy.
"Anyone you recommend?"
"Uh...I don't really know anyone, ask around...maybe the Headmaster knows a teacher who could help you. That's all I can say." Blake said. Joey frowned, glancing back out at the lake.
"Do you think...maybe you were brought here for a reason? Aside from being the Evil Queen's pawn?"
"I'm not sure, but I'll find that out on my own. How about we start clean from here, no more secrets and no more taunts. I've already said everything I had hidden away...I've got nothing else to hide...I don't want to lose another piece of my old life." he said, turning to leave.
"We start a clean slate if you want, I've got a lot of things I'd like to keep to myself though."
"Fair enough, Merry Christmas Joey."
"Yeah...Merry Christmas Blake." the brown haired boy said, watching the black haired teenager walk away.
"Heh, who is he fooling? Turning himself into a Queen? Please...he's a pawn, and he's gonna get taken down by the King. This little chess game Ever After has got playing has become interesting. Especially if I'm the one calling the shots."
xxx
"Hey Blake, are you doing anything right now?" Kitty asked, grabbing the boy's attention.
He was in the castleteria along with the others who hadn't gone home for the holidays. Among them were those who came from Wonderland, who didn't have a place to go back too. Lizzie and Kitty were the only ones still around, since Maddie had gone to spend time with her father, who owned a house in Bookend. Raven had gone back home as well, to spend time with her father the Good King, Apple had left as well though she did look rather disappointed. She said something about her mother having a meeting before she left. So it was just a few students left behind, himself included. He shook his head, stuffing an apple into his pocket, as he normally did.
"I was planning on watching some anime or something. Everyone is gone so I didn't have anything planned. Cerise and Ramona won't be back until tomorrow afternoon, so it's just me and Cadence."
"Would you mind if we joined you? No one should be alone on Christmas...we can't exactly go home at the moment." Lizzie said.
"I don't mind, I've got a few animes we can watch together...seeing as we have the week and the next off, how about we binge one of my favorite series...Pokemon."
"Oh oh, Cerise told me about this one. She said she just started Pokemon Emerald." Kitty said, an excited look on her face.
"Yes she did, she finished playing Crystal a few days ago, and transferred all of her Pokemon to that game. She honestly got addicted to it, I didn't think she'd actually finish the entire Pokedex, seeing as it's almost impossible without the event Pokemon and all that stuff. I have no doubt that she'll complete Emerald too. However, there are currently over 900 episodes, though the Sun and Moon series is incomplete as I did leave before it finished airing." he said.
"Oh my...do you think we could actually watch all of that in two weeks?" Lizzie asked, a worried look on her face.
"If we cut the intros and outtros, skip the credits on the movies, and if we all pee at the same time, yes." Blake said, earning a giggle from Kitty.
"I wouldn't mind peeing in the same bathroom as Blake, it would be interesting. But Cerise would tear me to shreds if she found out."
"Obviously that was a joke Kitty, I doubt we could all actually pee together, that would be weird. Let us go now, no use staying in an empty castleteria." Lizzie said, flicking her hair over her shoulder as she lead the two out of the castleteria.
"So, how are you two doing? It must be hard not being home for Christmas." Blake said, trying to make conversation.
"We're used to it. It'll be our fifth year being here in Ever After, so we've gotten used to not seeing our families." Lizzie replied.
"I can still call my mom. I call it the kitty-line, but there are times she just wants to sleep. I think she misses being part of the story, not that her role has been fulfilled."
"I'm sorry to hear that, you must miss her a lot."
"I do...I may be a rebel, but I want to be like my mom. She's awesome, and comes up with the best pranks in all of Wonderland. I don't care about destiny, I just want to spread chaos all over the place." Kitty said, a grin on her face.
"In other words, you want to come up with the sickest, most brutal prank anyone has ever come up with, in hopes to impress your mother. So you don't have to rely on signing the book...Kitty you are thinking small. Do you guys celebrate April Fools Day here?" he asked.
"April what?" Lizzie replied, giving the boy an odd look. He rolled his eyes.
"Okay then, that answers that. You see, back in my world, pranks are all well and good, but people all have a bad attitude toward them. Except on April 1st. It is known as April Fools Day, a day where anyone anywhere can prank the living shit out of anyone they want, and no one will get mad because it's the international day of pranking. Well, people still get mad, but you know, it's April Fools day." he said.
"You mean in your world, people literally take a calender day for pranks? Oh can we do it here too? I want to prank everyone I meet!" Kitty said, an excited look on her face.
"Sure, I'll help you out too. We'll show that grumpy Cheshire Cat that her daughter is a wonderful prankster. But in return I want to learn that teleporting trick you can do."
"Blake, that type of teleportation is something only the Cheshires can do. It's a type of Wonderland magic tied to their genes." Lizzie said, a frown on her face.
"Yes I know that, and normally Ever Afterlings wouldn't be able to learn Wonderland magic. But I'm not from Ever After, so it's rules don't apply to me...meaning I can learn Wonderland magic." he said.
"That's true...but Wonderland magic is unpredictable...people don't just control it. It can sometimes control you too...although my magic is rather simple in nature, unlike Maddie's who's well...insane. If you get the hang of Wonderland magic, and help me come up with a good prank, then I'll teach you how to teleport...deal?"
"It's a deal Kitty."
"Oh no...I'm not looking forward to this." Lizzie said, a worried look on her face. Blake chuckled, pulling out his keys.
"Don't worry Liz, we aren't going to prank you...you would be expecting it. No one else will however, I did prank my friends back on Earth a few times, so I know my way around a glue gun. It'll take awhile and about a hundred feather pillows, but we should have enough by April Fools Day to work with." he said. Kitty and Lizzie shared a look, the daughter of the Cheshire Cat grinning brightly.
They walked into the dorm, with Kitty quickly claiming Blake's computer chair, much to his disappointment. He grabbed his laptop from his desk, quickly logging into his account. He scrolled through his anime files, quickly finding the Pokemon file, once he had cued up the first episode, which he hadn't seen in around four years, he turned on the projector, jumping back onto his bed.
"Now, in my world this anime aired in 1997, so the quality won't be as crisp as some of the others we have watched. But as we continue into the series, you'll see it steadily getting better." he said.
"How many seasons of this are there?" Lizzie asked curiously, looking up from her cellphone.
"Twenty. The Indigo League is the first season, the Orange Islands is season two, Johto Journeys are season three, Johto League Champions is season four, Pokemon Master Quest is season five, still in Johto mind you. That series was the fucking longest one to date..it annoyed the shit out of me growing up." he said.
"Why? Wasn't exciting?"
"No Kitty, that wasn't it. It was just full of boring filler...it took Ash and his friends twenty episodes to reach Ekruteak City from Goldenrod City, when it was a trip in game that took you a few minutes. The filler was crappy too. That was the ending of the original series. Pokemon Advance starts the Advanced Generation, which consists of Pokemon Advanced, Advanced Challenge, and Advanced Battle. It also contains Pokemon Battle Frontier. After that it's the Diamond and Peal Saga, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Battle Dimensions, Galactic Battles and Sinnoh League Victors."
"That's thirteen seasons alone...I take it every one is in a different place right?"
"That's right Lizzie. Each series takes place in a different region...the anime is simple...you travel around a region, defeat eight gym leaders to collect their badges for the Pokemon League tournament, you battle in it, if you win you win if not you move on. You go to another region, rinse and repeat." Blake said.
"Sounds like fun to me, what comes after those first thirteen seasons?" Kitty asked. Blake's face darkened a bit as he glanced at the ground.
"The Black and White saga...god that series fucking pissed me off. It was horrible, the movies were subpar, the plot was shit...and Ash...ugh it was just bullshit. That series consists of Pokemon Black and White, Rival Destinies and the Decolore Islands. Then comes the best series in the Pokemon franchise and my personal favorite, the XY and XYZ saga. I'm sure you'll like that one too." he said, hitting play on the video.
"Oh? If you say it's the best one then that means it's going to be a good time. Is this all in Japanese? I quite like the sound of that language."
"Not the original series. I watched the first thirteen seasons in English, then I watched Seasons 14-19 in Japanese, the English Dub of Pokemon just turned to shit after Sinnoh League Victors. Oh before I forget, I got the two of you something for Christmas." he said, jumping off his bed, walking toward his closet.
"Huh? You got us something? You didn't have too you know." Kitty said, a surprised look on her face.
"Eh, I know I didn't have too. I wanted too...you two, along with Hunter, Ashlynn, Briar, Raven, Maddie, Cerise, my band mates, Duchess...you're all very close to me. It doesn't matter if you two got me something or not, that isn't the point. I just wanted to get you something, as a thank you for being my friends...you two especially. You're not from Ever After, so you know what it's like being unable to go home...it makes me happy that I have someone I can relate to here." he said, handing them two small boxes, wrapped in crimson paper.
"Oh dear, you didn't have to get us anything...being friends is enough in my opinion." Lizzie said, earning a nod from Kitty.
"Yeah, we're happy to be your friends. Like you said, we can relate to you, being stuck here and not being able to go home. There's a difference, one day the curse on Wonderland will be lifted, and even when we can go home, you still won't be able too. Thinking about that, it hurts you know." she said.
"It's fine...I try not to think about it. I figure, even if we do graduate, and Lizzie becomes Queen, and you Kitty, decide do bring chaos and fuck people's shit up, we'll still be best friends. We can all look back and remember the good times we had in high school. You can open them if you want...actually, I want you to open them. That way, I can see your smiles!" he said, standing before the two, hands behind his back. The two girls shared a look, carefully opening their gifts.
"It better not be something expensive Blake, I mean it." Lizzie said, earning a chuckle from the boy.
"Then you'll have to forgive me. I saw this and I just had to get it, same goes for you Kitty." he said. The two girls finally pulled the boxes from inside, seeing that they were similar in shape and color. They opened them, both gasping at the same time.
Blake had gotten the two girls custom made pendants. Lizzie was in the shape of a heart, made out of white gold. The outer edges were lined with small diamonds, a small pyrope garnet hung in the center, shaped like a tear drop. Kitty's pendant was in the shape of a crescent moon, dotted with small violet amethyst crystals. Sitting on the moon was a golden cat, reaching up to a small heart shaped ball, which happened to be a bright green emerald. Both necklaces were gold, and looked like they cost quite a lot of money.
"Blake we can't accept these...I mean, look at this. It looks like it cost a thousand, easily." Lizzie said.
"One thousand, two hundred and forty two actually, Kitty's was two thousand, four-hundred." the boy admitted.
"How did you get all of that money? Does working at Spells Kitchen pay that well?"
"No...well yes I get paid well. I just saved up my money from helping Ashlynn and from working at Spells Kitchen...I saved up quite a lot of money actually. Before you ask, yes I got all of my friends something, no I didn't buy anything for myself, I didn't need too." he said.
"How can you be so selfless, so giving? Ever since you've been in this world you've been nothing but kind to everyone. Even that douche bag Henry...how can you be like this?" Lizzie asked, earning a sad smile from the boy.
"Well...the reason why is because I'm adopted. My family back home...isn't my family. They adopted me when I was an infant, and always gave me what I wanted, even if I didn't ask for it. I took it all for granted, so when I cast away my old life, I vowed to somehow repay them for giving me everything I had. So I'll do the same for my friends, because I know that I can share my happiness instead of horde it all for myself." he said.
"Bless your soul! We don't deserve your kindness!" Kitty said, jumping to her feet, hugging the boy tightly. He chuckled, hugging the girl back.
"I'm glad you like it Kitty. Do you know why I got those stones on them?"
"I would, this is quite a pretty garnet." Lizzie said, glancing at her pendant.
"Yes, the reason I got those two particular stones is because in my world, every month has a birthstone. I was born September 16th, so my stone is a sapphire. Kitty, you were born May 26th, your stone is an emerald. It carries the brightness of Spring, and they're usually given to people as a sign of loyalty and trust. Similarly, Lizzie was born on January 18th, her stone is the garnet. It also stands for loyalty and trust. I trust the two of you, so that's why I wanted you to have these."
"Well, I can certainly say you do your research. This is a wonderful gift Blake, thank you...for everything." Lizzie said, a smile on her face. Blake took a hold of Kitty's pendant, helping her put it on.
"There you are, looks just how I imagined it...let's watch this show now, Ash has been waiting to start his journey for awhile now." he said jokingly, unpausing their anime.
xxx
It had been a bit awkward when Cerise texted him in the middle of the night. He was sure she was going to come back by the next day, but she had told him to go to the back courtyard and wait for her in front of the Christmas tree. Kitty had been the only one awake at that point, as Lizzie had taken his bed, glaring at the two and telling them that if she was woken up she would decapitate them. Blake didn't really mind, since he had made a nest of blankets on the floor anyway, and Kitty had still refused to give him his chair back. So, he put on his winter clothes, not bothering to zip up his jacket. He grabbed Cerise's gift from his closet and left Lizzie and Cadence in Kitty's care. She was currently watching the First Pokemon movie, having stopped watching the anime after thirty episodes. She didn't want to get too far ahead with Lizzie, so she had put on the movie instead. Blake quietly made his way through the empty halls of Ever After, greeting the janitors and few teachers still in the building. Making his way to the back plaza, he stood in front of the large Christmas tree, looking at the ice star Crystal had adorned the tree with. He hadn't been able to give the girl her gift before she left. She seemed rather sad too, and wouldn't stop hugging the boy, something that made Cerise quite annoyed.
He heard a light flurry behind him and turned around, seeing Cerise behind him. She was panting a bit, having most likely run all the way to the school. Judging by the slide marks in the snow, she must have been running quite fast. He didn't see Ramona anywhere, so it was safe to assume that she had been on her own. She brushed some snow off her shoulders as she walked toward the boy.
"Hi, I hope you weren't sleeping or anything."
"I wasn't...I was watching Pokemon with Kitty and Lizzie. One of them already crashed, bet you can't guess who." he said, earning an eye roll to the girl. She leaned up, kissing the boy on the lips, wrapping her arms around his neck. They broke apart for air, hugging each other tightly.
"Merry Christmas honey, I missed you." she said softly.
"I missed you more. It was boring without Raven and Hunter and everyone else here...at least I had Kitty and Lizzie for company. How was family dinner?"
"Mom was hoping you would show up, but I told her that it was a family thing and you didn't want to intrude. It would have been better, dad would have probably hounded you. Ramona told everyone the story of the flower and how you killed that goblin, so he was impressed." she replied, stepping back from the boy. A cold breeze kicked up, and she grabbed a hold of her hood so it wouldn't blow off.
"That's good, last thing I want is daddy dearest thinking I'm a weakling that can't defend his daughter. I got you something by the way, figured you'd want to open it now." he said, pulling the small gift box from inside his jacket sleeve.
"You didn't have to you know."
"You're my girlfriend, so yes I sort of had to." he said, kissing her cheek. She smiled, quickly tearing the paper off, stuffing it in her pocket. She opened the black box, eyes widening slightly.
"You got me a bracelet?" she asked.
"Yup, a charm bracelet. That way you can put all of the charms you want on it, I got the idea from Lucy's...I've added a few to it since I arrived here. I already got you six charms, a wolf, a heart, a pair of drum sticks, a flower, a turkey leg and the winding key for the mechanical heart." he said, taking a hold of the bracelet, wrapping it around her left wrist. She looked at it, a smile on her face.
"I love it...although you could have done without the turkey leg." she said, pouting a bit.
"But you love turkey, and I love that cute look on your face too." he said, giving her another kiss on the lips. She pulled away from him, opening her picnic basket.
"Well, I got you something too. Two somethings in fact, my grandmother couldn't wrap this gift." she said, pulling out a long crimson hood from within.
"Whoa, she made me a hood?"
"A hooded cloak, and yes she did. She saw how you kept looking at my mom's hood, so she figured you wanted one. She even made a wolf design on it." she said, flipping it over.
Much like her own, it had a forest theme to it, only the white trees were made in such a way that it made a wolf's head, howling at the moon. He quickly took his jacket off, handing it to Cerise as he took the cloak from her, placing it on around his shoulders, making sure it was snug on his shoulders. It fell down to just past his waist, and was a soft violet color on the inside. It was also surprisingly warm too. He was used to the cold, so he knew he wouldn't need his jacket.
"Oh my god, I love it! This is so freaking cool!" he said, putting his hood up. Cerise giggled happily, shaking her head.
"I'll let her know, she had a feeling you'd love it anyway. Anyway, here's my gift too you. I hope you like it." she said, handing him a small box.
He tore into the decorative paper, making sure not to tear it too much. He opened the box a second later, eyes widening a bit. Inside was a golden pocket watch, with a lengthy golden chain attached to the top, having a few charms on it. The lid had various engraved designs on it, the picture on the center was of a cloudless sky. He pressed the side button, opening the watch, seeing a small picture inside, of him and Cerise, smiling happily.
"Um...do you like it?"
"I fucking love it! And I love you, this is an awesome gift...I guess I'll have to add a vest to my everyday outfit so I can show it off." he said, closing the watch.
"I'm glad...I figured it would be better than that wrist watch you have now. You kept saying how it didn't work and it was always a few minutes late. I also wanted you to have something with both of us on it, just in case we can't be together." she said. He wrapped his arm around her waist, glancing up at the tree.
"This is my first Christmas away from my family...I honestly thought I was going to be sad. But I was worried for nothing, because I'm surrounded by amazing people. I love you Cerise, I truly do...I know we haven't been dating for long, but I really hope we can have a strong beautiful relationship."
"Me too...I want what Ash and Hunter have...I want to have what my mom and dad have. They have to hide it, and it's bullshit...but even then, they're in love and that's what matters. I'm not supposed to tell anyone this but...my mom is pregnant."
"What? Are you serious?" he asked, earning a nod from the girl.
"We found out today, me and Ramona are gonna have a little brother or sister. I want you to be there for when he or she is born...it would mean a lot to me if you were. Even if we for some reason break up in the future, or something happens...promise me you'll be there."
"I will, I'll definitely be there. Ruby has been an awesome mom to me in the past few weeks, and it wouldn't be right to skip out on that. It's gonna be so cool, then I can tell him or her what an awesome older sister they have." he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Maybe in the future, you and I can have our own."
"Huh?"
Cerise giggled, giving the boy a kiss.