An: This is an Ally and Derek Chapter. But Derek gets his own little look. Enjoy!
Sky: I'm glad you like the calm vibes. I hope my chapters aren't too boring. I just want to tell a story with detail and lost of character relationship development. We'll be looking at other couples in this chapter. I felt I needed to touch on them more. There's also some action. Hope you enjoy.
Mia: Ohhhh...you've cracked the code. We'll actually get to meet Elle in upcoming chapters. Matt and Donna are back next chapter. Matt's is going to have a hard time to tell Donna he loves her because its just hard to do. But its coming, I just won't say when.
NymhadoraTonks: The escape is HERE! Enjoy! Donna is just struggling with all for the pressure on her. Matt and Donna's relationship is strong, but love is a big word. Matt and his father are very similar when it comes to views. If he admits it to himself, he just knows he has to tell her, but in the right way. Sometimes when the timing is off it can wreck a relationship. But we know that's not going to happen here.
THANK YOU ALL!
Ally had visited her parent's room that night. They were on the other side of the school from the dorms, which was odd to Ally, but it was the headmaster's quarters. Everyone else's parents were staying in empty dorms on the freshman floor. It might make it harder to sneak out, but then Ally realize they all thought they had good kids that would listen to them. But they were wrong.
"Ally are you sure you're okay with this?" Apple asked. "One of us could stay back." Her mother was testing her. Ally didn't need them there, but she had to some how insist they go.
"Well," Ally said nervously. "I mean, I want you guys to get Donna back. And since you won't let us help, I want everyone to go and help. We'll be fine here."
"That's the spirit," Humphrey said as he emerged from the closet. He was holding a chest plate. Ally had seen it before. It was the armor they had worn in the first war. They both had one. Accept Apple's was smaller and gold plated, while Humphrey's was a silvery blue.
"I just want to be sure you're alright," Apple turned from her suitcase. She reached out for Ally. She faced her mother. Apple placed her hands upon her daughter's shoulders. "I'll try to keep you updated. I know how much you want to help Donna, but we want you to be safe and away from the action. You understand that don't you?"
Ally's lips curved into a smile. "I understand. I just want what's best for Donna, but I want you guys to be safe too." Apple kissed her daughter's forehead before hugging her. Humphrey wrapped his own arms around the two.
"We'll be back before you know it," Apple whispered. Its nothing we haven't delt with before."
Once Ally had left her parents room, the halls were dark. She looked at her phone. It was just a little past curfew, but what was going to happen to her? Her mom already knew she was out. There was nothing to fear. She walked through the dark halls. There was dim lightning through the windows, but Ally couldn't see much of anything.
She was nearing her room when she suddenly felt a body hit her own. In the moment, Ally struggled against the grip of the other person. "Easy," a deep whisper grabbed her arms. It was Derek.
"Derek?" Ally asked in a hushed whisper.
"Yeah," Derek answered. Even in the dark, she could feel their faces were close. They hadn't talked since yesterday. She wondered where they were. If they were just going to move on, or if they would talk about it. She said she didn't trust him, which was a lie. He told her he didn't know if he wanted to kiss her Friday night- she didn't know if it was a lie.
"Hi," she didn't know what else to say. Derek laughed softly.
"Hi." His grip tightened on her. They were getting closer, but then he had let go. "Ready to execute the plan?" Ally tucked her hair behind her ear. A wave of awkwardness washed over the encounter.
"Yeah." She said plainly before they turned to the door. The other's hadn't known about the fight, but they could probably tell something was different between the two. Ally hoped they could fix it soon, but it would just have to wait. Ally didn't have the time for the drama. Donna needed them, and they would have to help.
They both walked to her dorm room. Everyone was already there. Hyde and Cassidy sitting on her bed, while Catherine and Brandon were packing their backpacks. Only dim light came from a single lamp. The golden glow on their skin showed a slight fear within their expressions. Everyone was dressed in comfortable warms clothes. It was going to be a long cold night.
"You guys ready?" Ally asked. Everyone nodded. Ally had quickly changed and came back out. When she did, everyone's expression had changed. She could tell they were already regretting their decision.
"Ally," Catherine called. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Yes," Ally nodded. "We cant give up on Donna. We need to help, and I'm not sitting here and waiting for it. If you guys want to stay here that's fine. Like I said before, I'm going with or without you."
"Then we'll follow through." Derek nodded. Ally grinned. She put on her backpack as Cassidy opened the window.
"The night briers aren't up yet," Cassidy raised an eyebrow. "Aren't they supposed to be up by now?"
"What?" Ally had to look for herself. In the dark horizon, there were no night briers. She never had really seen them, but she was pretty sure she would have seen them from here. This will be easier than she had thought. "Well let's just go through with the plan. You got the rope?"
"Right here," Hyde pulled out a bunch of sheets tied together from under Cassidy's bed. Ally took it from him and tied it to her bed post for safety. Once it was secured, she decided to go first. She grabbed onto the rope and climbed onto the window sill. A small breeze swirled around her leg. She took a deep breath.
"Ally are you sure you want to do this?" Derek asked. He held onto the rope, and was going to let her down easy. She looked to him. His blue eyes sincere. Somehow, it felt like the others had disappeared. It was only him and her right now.
"I trust you," Ally said quietly, but he heard it. Ally turned away before she could see Derek's reaction. She tied the sheet to herself in case and began to downward dissent. she had never done anything like this, but she placed her feet on the side of the building. Derek was slowly lowering her. It wasn't that far down, and there were bushes at the bottom, but jumping could've left injury.
Once Ally was safe on the ground, Cassidy began to climb. Ally shivered while she waited. it was colder than she had expected. It was November, but Ally still had to get used to the cold before any snow would reach Ever After. She was followed by Hyde, Brandon, then Derek. When Derek reached the bottom, he turned to Ally with a grin on his face. Ally eyes lingered on his while to walked to her. Without any words, Derek pulled Ally in by the waist, and cupped her cheek. Before their lips could touch, they were interrupted.
"Wait," Hyde looked around. "Where's Catherine?" Derek let go of Ally before turning towards the open window. He kept an arm around her shoulder to keep her from shivering. It felt nice to have Derek's touch again, it was all she needed.
"Up here," Catherine said in a low voice. Ally hoped Catherine didn't get cold feet again. She was a worry wart like her father, but Ally thought she wanted to take risks.
"Catherine, don't back out now," Cassidy called up.
"I'm not," Catherine said before turning around. She had turned out the light. They all stared blankly for a few moments. Then Catherine launched herself from the window. She closed it on her way out. Using the sheet rope, Catherine swung down to the grass. Everyone gasped and reached for her, but she tumbled down the bushes and planted her feet in front of them.
"What just happened?" Cassidy said after a moment.
"I think mom's adventure gene is inside you," Brandon raised his eyebrows in shock.
"Surprisingly, I'm not surprised." Hyde shrugged and held out a fist. Catherine bumped it.
"But you've never done anything like that before," Ally was still questioning what she witnessed.
"I've been wanting to do something risky, so I thought I would give it a try," Catherine shrugged. Without anymore discussion, Ally turned to the open field a head of them.
"It all seems to good to be true." She said this quietly. Derek still had his arm around her shoulders.
"What was your plan first?" Derek asked softly.
"I was going to get us a dragon to ride on," Ally looked to where the dragons were held. Apparently the second year magical creatures class had been raising some new ones. She had planned to steal Molly's. "But I guess this will just be easier."
They crew began to walk on the open grass. Small crunches echoed in the night. The silvery moon gave the grass a sparkly look. They were nearing where the night briers would be. Ally could see a rough brown spot. She was beginning to feel cold again. Derek had let go of her, but the occasional brush of their knuckles was good enough for her.
"Wait!" Catherine said when they were about ten feet from the briers. "Do you hear that?" Everyone stood in silence. There was a distant hum. Ally got on her knees and put her ear to the ground. It was getting louder. She shot up when she felt the rumbling. Ally looked around.
"They're coming," Cassidy said after a moment. "Let's move!" Everyone began to run, except Ally. Her eyes were fixated on only one thing. Laura. Her blonde and pink hair glowing in the faint light. Her eyes had a purple glow to them. Ally was breathless. How was it possible? She should be in Wonderland. All she could see was a small grin on her face before the crackling of the briers.
They had emerged from the ground. Ally's heart skipped a beat. Cassidy, Hyde, and Brandon, were able to to climb over them safely before they grow any higher. Catherine tried her best, but the briers grabbed her. Pulling her into the mess, she screamed. The briers continued to grow higher and higher, encasing her body. Cassidy and Hyde both grabbed onto the growing briers to help her.
Briers began to grow at her own feet. Ally began to run. She was headed for the other growing wall. Then suddenly, another wall began to grow. Ally then grabbed the brier. As she placed her feet on a branch, she could feel herself float above the ground. Her eyes searched for Laura until she heard another voice called out. "Ally!" Derek called. He was on the final wall. She needed to get to him. Ally would have to jump across.
"Derek!" She held out a hand, but the briers were growing apart. She stumbled and held onto the branch tightly. She looked down to see how high they were off the ground. Her breath began to quicken.
"Ally you have to jump!" Derek called.
"I can't," Ally was breathless. "I can't. I can't."
"Yes you can!" Derek called. "Look at me!" She turned her eyes. His face was sincere. Even with the loud cracks of growing brier, she could hear his low voice. "I will catch you. You have to trust me." She closed her eyes for a second. Her heart beat in her ears. She could do it. Ally knew she could. With a deep breath, she turned.
"I trust you!' She jumped. It felt like everything was in slow motion. Ally scrambled through the air. her blonde hair flew behind her. She kept her scared blue eyes kept on Derek. Her hand extended towards his outstretched one. She let go of the breath she was holding. She was still in the air when their hand met.
She pulled as fast and strong as she could. Derek planted his feet on the branch. She had met him safely. They held onto each other as tight as the briers. After a few moments, Ally looked to see where Laura was, but now she was gone. Where had she gone? Why was she here in the first place? They weren't the targets in this game. The briers suddenly stopped growing. Ally and Derek were thrown from the branch and onto the top of the wall. Here, the briers made a flat surface.
Ally had let go of Derek before crashing on the wall. She rolled for a few feet, then she settled on her back. Ally felt like she could finally breathe. Her heart escaped from pounding in her ears. She sighed as her eyes turned to the sky. The dark clouds covered most of the night sky, but a small star shined above her. It was like the small hope in this terrible situation.
"Did I hear you right," Derek said quietly. "Or did you say you trusted me again?" He was next to her, propped up on one elbow. She propped herself up.
"That depends," Ally fixed her glasses. "Do you want to kiss me, now?"
"I don't know," Derek said with a sigh. Ally looked down. She felt embarrassed. Was this the end of their relationship? She told him she trusted him. Twice, but she still didn't know if it was her that Derek wanted. Other doubts floated through her mind before Derek's soft hands grazed her cheeks. She looked up to his serious eyes as he slowly took off her glasses. He was a little blurry, but it didn't matter, it was already dark. "If that's a real question. But since you asked. Yes."
Their faces came close together. Ally felt butterflies flutter around in her stomach. Her cheeks began to heat up as she felt his breath on her lips. Slowly, their lips met. It wasn't an aggressive and surprising kiss like on Friday, but a mutual, passionate one. Ally like this one much more than the first. When they parted, Derek's face stay close to hers. Ally didn't open her eyes. She kept in the moment.
"I think that was our first kiss," Ally whispered.
"Yeah I'd say so," Derek whispered back. He ran his fingers down her jawline. Ally pulled back and opened her eyes. The heat was thick between them. She wanted it to last a little longer. She leaned her face back towards him. Derek's hand dropped from her face and pulled her closer to him. Still laying on the ground, they kissed again, but this time, it was for longer. After a moment, Ally pulled Derek in by the collar of his jacket. There was no space between them, and yet it felt they weren't close enough.
It was when they heard brier snaps behind them did the two pull apart. Even then, Derek's hand was on Ally's back. She turned her head to look at Cassidy pull herself up. Both Ally and Derek sat up. Derek then rose to his feet and helped Ally up. "I'm glad you two are alright." Cassidy wiped a stream of blood from her forehead.
"Cassidy," Ally walked to her friend. "What happened to you? I thought I saw you get across safely?"
"Yeah well," Cassidy held her coat sleeve to her forehead. "After we got Catherine out, Laura decided to taunt us a little."
"What?" Derek raised his eyebrow. "Laura's supposed to be in Wonderland."
"Yeah, tell that to my forehead," Cassidy shook her head. "She started throwing her own kind of briers at us. I got clipped while I was climbing. Catherine got one in the arm. Hyde and Brandon took her out together. She then just turned to dust. The whole thing was weird. I thought I would climb up here and make sure you weren't on the other side."
"Well we just grabbed on until we reached the top. We were lucky I guess. I'm so sorry." Ally hugged Cassidy. The three of them made their way down the briers. It was much easier to climb down than up. Derek helped Ally, since she couldn't see too well. Even with her glasses, she couldn't see the best in the dark. Once they reached the bottom, Ally faced the triplets. Catherine's arm was already bandage.
"Cassidy," Hyde ran to her. He swept her up into a hug. "Where did you go? I thought Laura took you."
"I think I can handle myself a little better than that," Cassidy said before they separated. "I already started climbing after I saw you and Brandon take her down I need to be sure Derek and Ally were alright." Her cut began to bleed again.
"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Hyde asked as he looked at her forehead.
"I'm fine," Cassidy pushed away from Hyde's grasp. "You don't need to worry about me." She took a step and fumbled. Brandon and Hyde both supported her. "Okay, maybe I'm a little dizzy."
"Head injuries shouldn't be taken lightly," Catherine shook her head. The boys set Cassidy down on the frozen grass. Catherine took some bandage from her bag and began to work on Cassidy.
"We have to get to Charming Castle quick," Ally murmured to Derek. He placed his arm around her and brought her close to him. "We can't stay in the woods."
"I think I know a way," Derek grinned.
"Your dad still drives a horse?" Ally raised an eyebrow. "Cars are a lot easier."
"Its his favorite way to travel. Although this horse doesn't like other people." Derek shrugged. They were in the stables in the square shops. It was abandoned of course, but there was still hay available. The wood was cracked and rotted, but it still stood up. Derek remembered his dad telling him about this place, he just never believed him till now. HIs horse was their only hope
The blonde horse made little noise as Derek walked to it. "Hey, Dashing."
"Dashing?" Catherine looked to Brandon, who had the same confused look.
"Shut up," Derek said in a clam, higher pitched voice. The horse grunted. "Oh no, not you. I was talking to my loud friends." He walked closer to the horse. He held out his hand to touch the horse. It neighed in anger and kicked up its hind legs. Cassidy growled. Ally turned to her with wide eyes. She had her wolf instincts.
"Maybe it would be good to take you out of here, Ms. Badwolf," Hyde said through a smile as he shoved Cassidy out of the stable. The horse had calmed down. Derek then placed his hand gently. On Dashing's muzzle.
"There you go," Derek scratched Dashing a little. The horse neighed happily. "You are a big softie! Whose a good boy?!"
"Derek," Ally placed her hands on her hips. "Its a horse, not a dog."
Derek coughed a little and straightened up. Embarrassed, he then said in his deeper voice. "Yes, I know that. Let's get him hooked up." After a half hour of struggles, the team then set out for the Charming's castle in a wagon pulled by Dashing. Derek and Ally sat in the front, while the other four sat in the bag with their back packs.
During the drive, Derek looked back to see Cassidy and Hyde had fallen asleep on each other's shoulders. Brandon had was in a light sleep on his sister's shoulder, while Catherine was reading a book with a dim lantern that was already on the wagon. Derek shifted in his seat. Ally was on the other side of the bench, her eyes were looking up at the sky, but her eyelids were heavy.
"You can sleep you know," Derek said softly. "You don't have to stay awake for me. I'll be fine."
"I just don't really want to sleep," Ally said quietly. Derek looked at her with raised eyebrows. "The truth is, I'm a little freaked out by this whole thing. And now, after what just happened. I just don't know if I can sleep peacefully right now. I had nightmares for weeks after the fire on the bookball field. I just don't want to deal with it right now."
"You can't just not sleep," Derek shook his head. "Ally, you're safe now."
"I was safe in Ever After High," Ally put her face in her hands. "After tomorrow morning, the trust I just built with my mom is going right out the window. How could I be so stupid? I shouldn't have come up with this plan. And now everyone's hurt and I just don't want to put everyone through that." She then began to cry.
"Hey," Derek reached for her, but she didn't come. "You're not stupid. Yeah you came up with the plan, but we all agreed to it. This isn't about your mom either. She should have let us come to Wonderland. Maybe the trust will be broken, but it doesn't mean it can't be restored. Once we go see Snow, we're going to help Donna. You've said it yourself that this is for Donna. We all knew the risks, and its too late to regret it."
Ally didn't say anything at first, but then mumbled. "What if we don't find out anything from Snow?"
"We will," Derek nodded. "She has to know even just a little something. You're tired, and you're just overthinking it. Come here." He held out his arm again, and this time, Ally came to him. At first, she buried her face in his coat, but then she leaned her head on his shoulder. He pressed his cheek against the top of her head. "Get some sleep, and I'll be here if you have a nightmare. Okay?"
She didn't respond, because she was already asleep. Derek grinned to himself as they continued the journey.
It was only an hour's drive to the castle. When they reached the grey castle. the guards had recognized the carriage right away and escorted them into the castle. The guards put Dashing back into the stable. Hyde made sure Cassidy and the horse had no more bad interactions. Ally had not awoken when they stopped, so Derek carried her. He didn't mind. She was awfully light.
When they reached the main halls, they were left alone. "What's going on?" a light voice echoed in the marble hall. Derek didn't need to look in the dim torch light to know it was his sister.
"Lily," Derek was still holding Ally, but placed her on one of the many couches in the hall. He hugged his sister tightly. "There's a bit of a situation." Her blonde hair glowed orange in the fire light. She was wearing her white robe, so she must have just come out of bed.
"Mom and Dad already told me about grandma, and how they're going to save her, and Donna too," Lily said in a quiet voice. "Aren't you supposed to be in Ever After High?"
"Yes," Derek whispered. "But we left. We're going to go visit Apple's mom in the prison. Then we're going to Wonderland to save Donna and grandma. We're staying here tonight." Lily looked around at the group.
"I think I'll go get the nurse from bed, can you show the guests to their rooms?" Derek was glad Lily didn't question what they were doing, she seemed to just accept it.
"Yes, but Lily," Derek grabbed his sister's arm. "You're not going to mention this to Grandma and Grandpa Charming are you?"
"They're a whole wing away," Lily shrugged. "News travels slowly around here. The guards obviously saw you, but mom and dad will know you're gone in the morning. I think you're pretty safe. At least with me you are." She had a different way of wording things, but the thirteen year old was very mature for her age. Derek smiled before hugging his sister again.
Once he had settled Cassidy, Catherine, Hyde, and Brandon into rooms, he had gone back into his own. He then fetched Ally's things and placed them in her own room next to his. Derek had gone back down to the main hall to find Ally. She was still on the couch he had set her on, but Lily was knelt beside her. Derek quietly crept down the stairs and met his sister.
"She's a very deep sleeper," Lily said in a hushed voice. Her voice was softer than summer rain, but it was also very clear and could be heard. Her hair wasn't like their father's but more like a platinum blonde. Daring had once said something about how it resembled his sister's hair. Derek had heard about her, Darling, but not much. All he knew was that something happened between her and their parents. She then disappeared.
"She's just really stressed," Derek whispered as he knelt down. Looked at his damsel for a moment before scooping her up in his arms. Lily had followed him up the stairs and into her guestroom. Lily unmade the bed as Derek placed the sleeping girl down.
"She's very pretty too." Lily observed. Derek looked at Lily, then at Ally.
"I know," Derek said as he took off Ally's glasses. He placed them on her nightstand. His eyes gazed upon her pale skin. He tucked a piece of blonde hair behind her ear.
"I could tell you know," Lily said suddenly.
"What?"
"You liked her." There was a small silence. "Back when we dropped you off on the first day of school. You were very stuck up back then though."
"What?" Derek turned to her.
"You've changed." Lily raised her eyebrows. "In a good way of course. Back then you just acted so tough all the time, but she brings out that soft side in you." Derek never realized it before, but he used to act that way. He tried to act cool, but to do that, you couldn't feel anything. He feelings had been so suppressed. But now, they were an open gate. She really had changed him.
"Anyway," Lily yawned. "Goodnight." She had left the room before Derek could say anything. He looked to where Lily had left, but then focused back on Ally. He thought about the kiss they shared tonight. He was lucky to have her. He didn't want to loose her. Ever.
After planting a soft kiss on her forehead, Derek turned out the light and left his sweet, sleeping Ally.
