An: Buckle up, we're going for a ride in this chapter. A lot happens. At least, I think so anyway. Not really action, but scenes that will effect the upcoming events. Mattonna scenes mixed with the others on their way to Wonderland. Enjoy! Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a good break.
NymhadoraTonks: The wait is over! And its a long one! More Lily in this chapter too! Donna is sneaky, but she doesn't really like to use her magic that much. You'll find out more on how Matt feels about everything. Everyone knows why the kids want to help Donna, but even the parents forget that they were once kids too. You have to remember they are just trying to protect their kids and they just don't want to admit that they're in danger.
I made Lily to be the Luna of the group. I'm a big fan of Harry Potter and I feel I had to have a weird but wise character. She is also a mix of Darling, Daring, and Lizzie when I thought about her personality. Sensible, brave, with a crazy twist. I'm glad you like her!
Mia: Matt and Donna sharing their dreams is what really is bringing them closer together. More Mattonna coming your way in this chapter. Please tell me what you think. Lily is the lightest and seemed to be most loved character I've made. I wanted her just to be light and airy, but also wise. She is a combo of mostly Lizzie's Wonderland crazy, Darling's wisdom, and Daring's strength. More moments with Lily are in this chapter too. Also, I'm glad you got the creepy vibe from Snow. I wanted it to be a pivotal moment for Ally to start thinking about what's really going on is Ever After.
Thank You Both For Your Continued Support!
After a morning of questions from Matt's father, Donna felt good to just answer usual questions. He had asked her about what her favorite subject was in school, color, type of tea, sport, and pretty basic stuff. She liked Matt's dad. He treated her like a normal person, and it was refreshing. He acted so normal compared to the rest of the lot. Well, as normal as the King of Wonderland could get. He was Maddie's husband after all. Even though all of the other parents had been worried about their kids, Donna hasn't felt more at ease than ever. Which was odd, considering that she was about to face Laura in a matter of maybe two days at max.
She was just laying on a silver couch in one of the many living rooms, staring into the ceiling. The tiny bits of dust reflected themselves from the soft, glowing sunlight. She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed in. She thought about what it would feel like to fly, just like the dust particles. She's glided down from the balcony, but never just let the wind take her as it pleased. It must be so relaxing, just to float on the wind, not caring about anything else. As she exhaled slowly, she opened her violet eyes again to see blue ones were peering down at her.
A smile came to her lips. Matt's bushy curls hung down as he leaned his head on the back of the couch. He rested his chin on his folded arms. The golden light made his freckles appear in a smooth way. His calm eyes continued to gaze upon her as she reach up. They closed as she ran her fingers gently through his thick, mint green hair. As her fingers grazed the side of his face, he grabbed her hand and kissed it. His eyes fluttered open and settled on her reddening face.
"Long time, no see," Donna said quietly. It had only been an hour, but Donna had been lying on this couch for what felt like days.
"Yeah," Matt said as he hopped over the couch. Donna flinched before he landed between her and the back of the couch. She didn't know how he did things like this so quickly and efficiently, it was just something he was good at. She lifted her head as his arm slid below it. With his hand slightly scratching her shoulder, Matt joined Donna in looking at the ceiling. "You've been here this whole time?"
"Yep," Donna shrugged a little. "Just thinking about...dust."
"Dust?" Matt laughed a little. When Donna didn't laugh, he cleared his throat. "Uh...why?"
"Just because I wonder what its like to just float around without a care in the world," Donna said in a low voice. Her eyes still looking at the specs. "I think it would be...nice. Just to fly around until you settle somewhere and live the rest of your life. So simple and yet...comforting." There was a small silence from the boy. She regretted telling him her thoughts for a moment, but then he spoke.
"I feel it too," Matt said in a whisper. "But nothing's that easy."
"There's a sad truth to that," Donna admitted. She hated to say it, but her life was too complicated to just be careless. It had forever changed in these past three months. It was a lot to take in all of the bad things that led up to this moment. It would affect her forever. "There's only one thing we can do to disprove it."
"How?" Matt asked this as he turned his face to her.
"By thinking about everything that's good right now. Maybe just for a moment, we can be as useless as dust." She turned her face to Matt's. "If we're lucky."
"I think I'll press my luck," Matt said quietly. Donna smiled as he kissed her forehead. After a moment, Matt pulled away and looked back up at the ceiling. Donna joined him. It felt nice to just be together. Even though they weren't connected in a romantic embrace, the couple was connected deeply. Their feelings for each other bonded their spirits together. Donna would take one of these moments over hundreds of kisses. Because to her, this was how she knew Matt's feelings were real, and she also knew hers were too.
Ryder and Wade were the only two waiting for lunch. Donna was glad that it was only them. It might've seemed odd to her mother if they were walking in together. Donna wanted to tell her, but she knew right now wasn't the best time to tell a stressed out mother that Donna had fallen madly in love with a boy that was older than her. Who had also been sleeping in the same bed as her this morning. Donna thought nothing of it, but she knew her mother would get false ideas.
As Matt and Donna took their seats, Wade whispered to her. "Does your brother know?" She was confused for a moment, but then she realized he looked to Matt, who was just taking his place. He had pulled the chair out for Donna, which she didn't think twice about.
"Yes," Donna answered. Wade winked at her before sitting up straight again. Donna then felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. Wade knew. Did Matt tell him? Or did he figure it out? Why did Donna care? Maddie already knew, so of course Wade would know. A new stress was added to her mind as she tucked her bang behind her ear. She needed to be sure she was on Wade's good side.
"Well, Ryder was telling me about his girlfriend moments ago," Wade already began to eat. "I'm surprised so many of you kids are dating. When I was Matt's age I could barely talk to girls. Now, here Matt is proclaiming hi-"
"Dad," Matt cut his father off. "Where's mom?"
"Yeah, and the other parents?" Donna asked. She kept her eyes away from Matt's pink face.
"They haven't been down from their rooms since this morning," Wade shook his head. "I had meals sent up there. Poor Maddie, she really was tainted from the war."
"Did you know her before?" Ryder asked.
"Yes, a little bit," Wade shrugged. "She and her dad had lived here only for a short time before they went to Ever After. Then, the curse was put over Wonderland shortly after. I'm a few years older than Maddie, so I didn't go on the exchange program. I was never let out of Wonderland until Raven broke the spell. She's told me lots about it, of course. Most of the time, I think she's just acting like herself, but then she'll have these days were she shuts down. Its truly sad."
"Mom does that," Donna said as she ate a little off her plate. "I know that's why she's so crazy about protecting me, because she feels obligated to."
"She is your mother," Matt said.
"No, its not that," Donna shook her head. "She feels obligated to protect everyone. That's why she put me in the hospital. She was focusing on what was good for everyone, not just me. She was afraid of another war. I understand that now. She lost her mother, and she doesn't want to loose me."
"Donna," Ryder raised his eyebrows. "You never told me any of this." He sounded a little hurt. Donna felt guilty, they had vowed never to keep secrets from one another.
"I'm sorry, Ryder. But, I didn't know until just a few days ago. Its true, the Evil Queen had been killed during the war. Our mother watched as the life drained from her eyes. She doesn't want to witness that ever again, and neither do I." She was recalling to the memory she had dreamed of. the purple eyes slowly turning glossy and still. There was silence all around the table. They continued to eat, but Donna let a single tear fall down her cheek. After a few minutes, a thumb brushed it from her cheek. She didn't need to look in order to know it was Matt. His touch was gentle, and soothing.
After lunch, the four had gone to the plan room. It was a blank room with a table in the middle. Printed on it, was a map of Wonderland. Figures were in places of buildings and castles. Donna traced her fingers over the small figure of the White Castle. With a little wave of her fingers, she had conjured even smaller figures of herself, Matt, and Ryder.
"Woah," Ryder gasped as he picked up his figure. "You even got the soft, purple curls right." He ran his fingers through his real black and purple streaked hair. Matt was holding his own and ginning.
"I'm holding my sketch book," Matt said amused. "But why is my other hand reaching out?"
"So I can do this," Donna held her figure up. The little Donna also held out her hand. When they both touched, the small Matt twirled Donna into him before wrapping an arm around her. Matt chuckled.
"Clever." As Donna set down the figures before the real Matt grabbed her hand and twirled her into him. She laughed as their faces were only inches apart. Only when Wade cleared his throat did the two separate. Donna waved her hand over the figures and they disappeared. Ryder grunted in disappointment before her crossed his arms.
"What's the plan, dad?" Matt asked.
"I'm not sure," Wade admitted. "I thought we could start the quest tomorrow, but its not going to happen, thanks to the little runaways. Its no problem. By tomorrow we'll make a real plan with everyone and strike by Wednesday."
"What if Laura tries to attack?" Ryder asked.
"She wouldn't." Donna kept her eyes on the Red Castle. "She's searching for the Raven's Skull. She has what she wants. We really should leave now. She shouldn't be granted this extra time." She turned to leave, but Matt stopped her.
"She doesn't know where it is, and neither do we," Matt said as Donna turned back tot he table. "There has to be some clue or lead on it." He looked to Wade, who shrugged.
"Nope, we've got nothing," Ryder admitted. "All we know its in the Red Castle. Probably."
"Probably?" Wade raised his eyebrows. "So we're doing this all on a whim?"
"No," Donna shook her head again. "The memories showed it on the roof of the Red Castle. It couldn't have gone far. Matt, what did the book say about the spirit holder?"
"I didn't read it too closely," Matt shook his head. "All I know is that it landed on top of the roof. It couldn't have gone that far. It had to stay in the walls of the Red Castle. And if Laura's there, don't you think we're on the right track? It must be some kind of maze or riddle guarding it. There's no way the Evil Queen's soul would just be lying around."
"That's true, but we still don't know any kind of puzzles that guard the castle or the skull," Ryder crossed his arms. There was a small silence. Wade looked at Donna.
"You had said the Evil Queen's spirit possessed you," Wade straightened up. "Your mother had told me about your magic lessons. How you would see visions of things that have never happened"
"Yes," Donna admitted. "It was just exposing fears to me."
"What if the meant something," Wade turned. "Relay the visions, please." She felt her chest tighten. She tried her best not to think about the visions or the nightmares. She felt as if she was about to faint. Her face became pale as she thought about how Matt had been dragged away from her.
"Dad," Matt put a hand on Donna's back. "That might not be such a good idea."
"No," Donna caught herself. "I'll do it. I'm done with the nightmares and the visions acting as if they own me. If they cane help with anything, we'll be one step closer to the Evil Queen's end."
The teens were heading back to the forest while Ally was only thinking about her very first conversation with her grandmother. It was just so weird how manipulative and calm the ex queen was. How she went from the most beloved to the most forgotten person in Ever After was hard for Ally to grasp. Her very own mother had seemed to go through that, but at least she had come out on the other side, while Snow was still hidden away.
"The White's blood will never change. We will always want dominance over the other. It will just go on till the book's end."
"Derek," Ally asked her boyfriend, who was sitting next to her. "Do you think I'm...controlling."
"Yes," Derek said in a monotone. She elbowed him before he slightly laughed. "I'm kidding. You like to take charge once in a while, but I wouldn't say you're controlling."
"You're more of a leader," Catherine said. She was sitting in the back of the wagon, but was the closest to the couple. "But your a pretty fair one."
"Why do you even ask?" Cassidy chimed in.
"My..." Ally trailed off. "Snow."
"You shouldn't listen to what she said," Derek shook his head. "She's in jail for a reason. Snow was the one who was controlling everybody. But now we're free from that." There was a small silence.
"The Story Book of Legends was never destroyed." Ally said quietly. Everyone exchanged glances. Derek placed a hand on hers.
"You're serious?" Derek asked in a calm voice.
"Well of course it is," Lily said in matter-of-fact. "Without it, this whole world wouldn't exist. Crazy when you think about it. A whole world created with pages of a single book. Somehow controlling everyone and everything."
"How do you know so much about the Story Book of Legends?" Hyde asked.
"There's not much else to do in a castle filled with books," Lily said in a dreamy voice. "We're all just filling out its pages until eventually, our chapters come to close. When people try to over throw it, that's when the book is needed."
"What are you saying?" Brandon asked.
"It keeps a balance," Lily shrugged. "Obviously it'll make sure the world keeps its peace." Ally thought about this. Maybe the book was the peacemaker. Snow was, on some level, right. It was a scary but true thought that crossed through Ally's mind.
They had made it to the Well of Wonder. The sun was well on its way to rest. Lily had a tracker of her own for when she visited her grandmother. As the seven of them peered down into the well, fear began to brew between them. "Alright!" Lily clapped her hands together and rubbed them. "Who's going first?" She looked around to them all. "Are you guys telling me you haven't been to Wonderland before? Are you scared?" She said the last part in a teasing tone as she looked at Cassidy and Hyde.
"Lily," Derek scolded her as he folded his arms. "Even if they had, they probably didn't have to jump into a mysterious Well in the middle of a forest. Besides, the land is cursed, we'll have no idea where we'll come up."
"Well, unless you can somehow transport us to Wonderland," Lily crossed her arms. "I suggest you go first, big brother. You can lead, while I'll take the back. I don't want anyone running out on us." Cassidy rolled her eyes as Lily shot her a look.
"I'll go," Ally said after taking a deep breath. Derek held out a hand for her as she climbed up onto the brick. He then joined her. Together, they jumped into the well. Lily smiled and clapped her hands. Catherine quickly followed without a word. She seemed to have a small grin as she disappeared into the liquid.
"Alright, let's get this over with," Cassidy mumbled as she jumped in with Hyde. Lily turned back to Brandon. His face was paler than the moon.
"I guess I'm with you, handsome," Lily joked as she took Brandon's hand. She yanked him up onto the brick before dragging him into the well with her. He screamed as she laughed. They were surrounded by rainbow water. They saw the others. Hyde held Cassidy's arm tightly. Catherine was reading her book again, unphased by the free fall. Ally and Derek were holding each other closely.
When they reached the other side, it took a moment for Wonderland to come in a clear view. Lily felt a pain in her heart. The last time she was here, the wonder was in full, but now there wasn't any in sight. It was just a normal land with no soul. The sky was different shades of purple, pink, and green. The poisoned sky would have been pretty if Lily hadn't known any different.
Letting go of a quivering Brandon, Lily pushed herself up to her feet. Her braid fell off of her shoulder as she took a step. She didn't even know where she was. This place was unfamiliar. The well must have replaced itself in Wonderland, but why? It never moved. It was usually in the same place. Or even around the same place. They were surrounded by dark woods. Many stumps had been carved into targets.
There were a few dummies carved from wood. Notches were made from sword blades. "Lily, please come here slowly." Derek called to her. She turned to them. Ally and Derek were looking up. Catherine rose to her feet. Cassidy and Hyde were helping Brandon up. Lily turned and met where Ally and Derek gazed. Up in the tree's a cloaked figure loomed.
"If you're brave enough, you wouldn't be hiding," Lily crossed her arms. She wasn't afraid. For this figure seemed familiar. The cloaked figure hopped down from their perch. The cloak shimmered in the light. Lily could see the silvery armor underneath the fabric.
"If you were smart enough, you would know when to hold your tongue," the figure's deep female voice called.
"Danielle," Lily smiled. "I think you should know your cousin when you see her."
"Danielle?" Derek whispered. "Cousin?" Danielle took down her hood. Her round face was framed with white hair that came her her shoulders. Two braids pulled her red streaks back. Her blue eyes were filled confidence.
"Lily, haven't seen you in a while," Danielle smiled as she embraced Lily. She then turned to the rest of them. "So, the confused one must be Derek."
"I'm not confused," Derek lied. "Well, I'm not exactly sure what's going one here." Ally patted his shoulder as she stifled a laughed.
"I'm Danielle," she walked to him and held out a hand. "Darling's daughter."
After an afternoon of relaying visions, Donna felt light. So much weight had been put on her shoulders. It was now dinner time. This time, all of the missing guests had made their appearances. As dinner was served, Donna exchanged looks with Matt and Ryder. They all seem confused. There was no talk from any of them. They ate in silence for a while, until Ryder finally began to talk.
"No word from anyone?" Ryder asked. Everyone shook their heads. Lizzie's face had looked puffy, but she had no more tears left. Briar looked down, as if she were holding in tears. Hopper placed a hand on her back.
"I don't think we will, Ryder," Raven said softly.
"All we can do is hope that they'll be alright," Apple said with a fake smile.
Donna hated seeing them all like this. All so pale, lifeless. It couldn't make her help but wonder if she would be like this in the future. Her days would be fine until the pain of the past hit her like a pile of bricks. The nightmares would cause her mental pain and make her shut down. She couldn't bare to move when the thoughts of the present tickled her future mind.
A hand grabbed her own under the table. She stopped staring into blank space and looked to Matt. His eyes were focused on his meal, but the side of his lips curled when Donna squeezed his hand. That's when she knew she would be able to bare the future. As long as she had Matt, she could face anything.
After dinner was over, Donna and Ryder followed their parents to their room. She felt she didn't have enough time with them today. It felt as if an entire week since she had seen her parents. "Mom," Donna called as Raven closed the door. "What happened today? I thought we were going to plan today."
"That wouldn't have been a good idea," Raven shook her head. Her violet eyes scanned Donna. "Everyone's too worried about their kids. I would be too, but I'm just glad you're here." She ran a finger under Donna's chin and smiled. Donna sighed as she grinned a little too. She was glad to be honest with her mom again and to be growing closer with her.
"It was also their fault they ran away," Ryder mumbled as he plopped down on his parent's guest bed. Dexter emerged from the guest bathroom dressed in a white shirt and blue sleep pants. His brown hair was flattened without the crown that pushed it up. He sat next to his son.
"Ryder," Raven narrowed her eyes at him.
"Well it is," Ryder shrugged. "They wanted to come, so that's why they left. I don't know why they didn't come here, but I'm sure there's a reason. Something doesn't add up."
"If Laura had them, I think I would know," Donna admitted. "A dream or vision would have come up."
"There's still a possibility of capture. That's what their worried about." Dexter said as he rubbed his eyes under his glasses. Ryder was doing the same motion. Both Donna and Raven watched before sharing a small laugh.
"That's not funny," Ryder said, confused.
"That's not what we were laughing at," Donna shook her head.
"Anyway," Raven looked to Donna. "Everyone will have clear minds tomorrow. This is similar to what we've experienced before. Its just hard to face those things again. We will get through it though. Don't worry Donna, everything will be fine." Raven yawned. Donna wrapped her arms around her mother. After a moment, Donna went over to Dexter and hugged him.
"Goodnight," Donna grinned as she pulled up Ryder from his place on the bed. Ryder hugged Raven on the way out.
"Goodnight," the parents called to them. Out in the hall, the two twins were walking past all of the guest rooms.
"We never really talked about it," Ryder said in a small voice. "What you said at lunch."
"That's what you're worried about?" Donna raised an eyebrow.
"I thought you were going to tell me these things," Ryder took Donna's arm. Donna remembered the last time they were truly alone. On the balcony at Ever After High.
"I told you I only found out a few days ago," Donna escaped Ryder's grip. "That's why mom is so protective over me, isn't that obvious."
"I'm not sure why she is so protective," Ryder shook his head. "There's something besides this battle everyone's worried about. I could feel this weird vibe flowing through everyone while we were at dinner. Do you know anything?"
"No," Donna shook her head. "Why would you think there's anything else going on now? Mom and I are honest about these things now. She would have told me if there was something else. Just drop it Ryder."
"I can still have my suspicions..." Ryder turned away. "Goodnight."
Matt was helping his father with cleaning up. Even though they had servants, Wade liked to do somethings himself. As Matt was picking up plates, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and looked at it. Donna's name flashed across the screen. His heart beat a little faster before he read her message. I'm going to try to sleep on my own tonight. I want to know if Laura has Ally. Goodnight 3
Matt grinned at the make-shift heart, but he was somehow disappointed. He knew he shouldn't be spending nights with Donna, but it just felt weird to sleep alone now. Its not even for the reasons anyone else would think. There was nothing romantic about it. He felt that he needed her, and she needed him. Her presence was just soothing to him.
"Anything wrong, son?" Wade's voice called. Maddie was collecting tea cups silently and quickly went into the kitchen. Matt put his phone away and looked at his dad. He didn't realize his expression must look down.
"No, its just Donna," Matt shrugged. "I was just thinking about last night. You were going to tell me about Raven's worries. What could she be worried about? I mean, more than what we already know."
"It's something a little more than usual," Wade said as he put down the pates. "She was worried about Donna."
"We all are," Matt said in a confused voice. What was his father getting at?
"She talked about the spirit spell her mother used," Wade rounded the table. "How her soul had been activated somehow so when Donna touched the grave, she became possessed. And when a person becomes possessed, their souls begins to mesh into one. Her fear is that the Evil Queen's soul is still attached to Donna's."
"Once we destroy the raven skull, it won't be a part of her anymore. Problem solved. Raven shouldn't worry about it then." Matt shook his head. His father was telling him what he already knew. Matt began to collect the plates before his father grabbed both of his shoulders.
"Matthew, if we destroy the skull, we destroy the soul." Wade's eyes were glossy. Matt looked into the grey pupils. He used his full name. It was serious. His heart began to beat faster as his father stumbled over his words.
"If we kill the soul we...we...may kill Donna."
That was when Matt fell to the floor. Unconscious.
