An: This chapter is all about Ally and the squad. And a secret will be revealed...Enjoy!

NymhadoraTonks: I wanted to show that their relationship is based on a deep connection of soul and being together just as equals. They don't always have to be romantic. They did start of as friends, and I wanted to go back to that a little. We'll talk more about her visions next chapter. Lily is very smart for her age. She's more in this chapter as she interacts with Danielle.

Yeah...this is getting serious. The end of it all is near. But we still have plenty of story yet. Matt fainted at the thought of loosing Donna. More one that will be in next chapter. Thank you for the review!


"Darling's daughter?" Ally raised an eyebrow. "I've heard of her. I thought she disappeared into Wonderland. But no one ever knew for sure."

"Breaking news," Cassidy said. "She actually did." Ally narrowed her eyes at Cassidy before turning back to the girl in front of her and Derek. He went pale and was looking at Danielle's outstretched hand. Her arm was toned through her thin shirt. He shook it hesitantly. It all seemed a little odd.

"Why didn't you tell me, Lily?" Derek turned his attention to his sister.

"Because I thought you already knew," Lily shrugged. "But now we're all on the same story page. Now we need to focus on the mission. Danielle, which way is the White Castle? "

"Hold on," Derek was about to ask a question, but Danielle raised her hand.

"We can do that on the way back to the house," she said quietly before turning. "You can stay with us for the night. Its getting too late to travel to the White Castle." Her short silvery hair shined in the rising moonlight. The red tales bounced when she walked.

"Us?" Catherine asked.

"Did you think I lived alone?" the girl turned for a moment before she kept walking. The others hesitated then followed. "I live with my parents. Darling Charming and Chase Redford." Derek never even knew Darling, let alone that she had a family.

"The Red Queen's adopted son," Catherine whispered to Hyde and Cassidy. She was well equipped when it came to the history of their parents. Since Donna's situation, she had invested a lot of time reading. It was as if she knew that they would need that information later. "Apparently he's a very well trained knight, but he had gone off the charts in the last few years."

"He still works for the White Castle," Danielle called back. Catherine flushed with nerves as she looked down at the dark ground.

"All I know that Darling had been discouraged by the Charming family," Derek said in the softest whisper to Ally. It was so quiet Ally could barley hear it herself. "That doesn't happen often. Be on your guard in case if something happens." Ally nodded as she kept her eyes forward. When their knuckles brushed, Derek intertwined his fingers with Ally's. She took a deep breath as they continued to walk.

"Why were you by the well?" Hyde asked after a moment.

"I heard a strange noise while I was practicing in my backyard," Danielle explained. Her voice was smooth and light, but it also had a sharpness to it. "It sounded like a hurt animal. I found that it was echoing from the well. Being the person I was raised, I knew something was wrong, so I waited. Then you guys came up, and here we are." Lily began to laugh.

"That was no hurt animal, that was Brandon!" Lily continued to giggle.

"Which one is he?" Danielle asked, trying to hold back a laugh.

"The cute red head with the sheepish grin," Lily said suddenly. It made Derek crack a small smile. Brandon hid behind Catherine when Danielle turned to look at him. She smiled a little, he smiled back sheepishly. She then turned her head back.

"Nice to know you're not a hurt animal, Brandon," Danielle called. It made the boy blush a little. Catherine elbowed him so he would stop hiding behind her. He rubbed his stomach as he continued to walk.

As they crept through the twisted forest, they came up to a barbwire fence. It was a little under six feet high. Danielle jumped over it easily. Her cloak flowed behind her perfectly. Lily was about to give it a try herself. With a running start, she was almost about to jump, but Derek caught her with his arm. "I don't trust you to make that jump. I'll lift you."

"Ugh," Lily sighed. She pushed herself up on Derek's shoulder's and jumped over from there. Danielle caught her on the other side. Derek then turned to help Ally. After she was safely across, Catherine already hopped the fence. Cassidy jumped it with ease. Hyde patted Derek's shoulder and nodded back to Brandon. Together, they hoisted the boy over the fence.

It was rougher than Brandon had expected. His shoe was caught by the wire. As he tumbled forward, he turned so his face wouldn't be scratched by the wire. He let out a small yelp as he hung by his shoelace. When he opened his eyes again, Danielle's blue ones were looking straight into his green. She clicked her tongue. "It really was you screaming." She shook her head before grinning a little. "I would suggest shoes without laces next time." He wanted to say something back just as clever and smooth, but he stammered over his words.

The next thing Brandon knew, he hit the ground. Little pain surged through him as he felt the cold ground on his face. He was just lucky he didn't break his arm again. He rolled onto his back. Lily was already there for him, her blue eyes big. "Are you alright?" she asked dreamily. One of her blonde curls was tickling his nose. She held his head in her lap. Before he could answer, Catherine spoke up.

"He just fell four feet," she crossed her arms. "I think he'll be fine."

"His nose is bleeding," Lily said as she turned back to Brandon.

"I'll be alright, Lily. Don't worry," he said, sitting up. Both Hyde and Derek launched themselves over the fence. As Brandon stood up, he stepped away from Lily. She watched him closely as he whipped his nose on his plaid coat sleeve. He smeared the blood on the dark blue fabric.

"Oh," Danielle said as she took sight of him. "That doesn't look so good. Does it hurt?" She was about to reach out and touch his face, but stopped. He looked at her, speechless.

"Yeah, I mean, it does a little but." He was about to take his hand off his nose, but then he took a sharp breath and groaned. "Ah!" Danielle set a hand on his shoulder.

"We better get you to the house," Danielle said in a quiet voice. "We're not far." As she placed another hand on his back, Lily's eyes widened. Brandon didn't let her help him, but he'll let Danielle? Lily folded her arms as she kept a straight face. She joined the other's walk through the yard.

In the yard, there were multiple wooden dummies with targets painted on them. They hade many carvings and chips within them. Ally looked to the small home. It was built on top of a deck. Ally could tell the home was a shade of dark blue. It blended in with the trees around them. Faint golden light glowed from the back glass doors. A figure came running out.

"Danielle, who are-" a light and airy voice called before stopping. Her eyes were looking right at Ally. She stood still. Ally felt uneasy as she stepped closer to Derek.

"Mom, Lily and her friends are here," Danielle explained. "They're here to stop the curse! But they need a place to stay."

"Well, bring them in, I'll get the first aid for him," Darling said after a moment. They followed her into the house. It was much bigger inside than Ally had expected. They came into a small kitchen, but then filed into a large living room. The eight of them followed close to Darling. Chase Redford was sitting in on the couch reading when he saw the lot.

"What's going on?" Chase asked as he stood. His black and red hair brushed against his forehead.

"Its the kids," Darling gestured to them. "Their kids."

"Oh," Chase was suddenly alarmed by the sight of Brandon. "I'll uh...deal with this one." He took Brandon by the arm and brought him out of the room. Danielle and Lily followed quickly before Derek could call his sister back.

"Uh..." Darling turned to the other five. "Hello. I'm Darling Charming Redford."

"Derek Charming," he said as he held out a hand. "Its nice to finally meet you."

"You as well," Darling grinned as she shook Derek's hand. "You're Daring's I bet. You have his eyes."

"Yeah," Derek nodded. "Dexter's are at the White Castle."

"I know," Darling shrugged. "He called me. Told me about everything. Your parents are worried sick about you all."

"We're headed to the castle tomorrow," Ally added. "We had to run away. They wouldn't have let us come otherwise." Darling stared at Ally again. She felt a little uncomfortable being studied like that. She grabbed Derek's hand as they stood. His fingers wrapped around hers.

"I know how it feels to be out of the game," Darlings shook her head. "I'm just glad you guys are doing something about it...Well, I'll get you guys something to eat. Please, settle down in here. I'm afraid we don't have any other spare rooms."

"Thank you," Derek grinned before she left. As Darling rounded the corner to go to the kitchen, she looked back at Ally again. It was a small, brisk, moment, but Ally some how felt alarmed by it. She didn't let go of Derek's hand as he reached for his backpack.

"Uh...can I have my hand back please?" Derek raised a dark eyebrow. Ally didn't put her eyes on him, she kept them on where she saw Darling last. "Ally, what's wrong?"

"Something's off," Ally finally looked to Derek. "Darling keeps staring at me weird. I don't know why."

"She's probably just trying to take it all in," Derek put a hand on her shoulder. "Did Snow get to you that bad?" Ally wasn't thinking about her grandmother right at that moment. She was thinking of Darling. Why would she look at her like that. It was like a strange surprise. Ally just...didn't like it. Maybe Snow had gotten to her. It had been a long day, after all.

"I don't know," Ally whispered. Derek pulled her in for a hug. She let herself relax in his arms. Her muscles were no longer tense, she let her eyes close as she pressed her ear against Derek's heart. He leaned his head on top of hers as he swayed a little. His one hand stroked her hair lightly. He always seemed to know what to do to comfort her.

"You're probably just tired," Cassidy said after a moment. Ally pulled back from Derek to look at her. Cassidy waved as she shifted her weight. "Hi! We're here too." Hyde rolled his eyes at her. Catherine was already sitting on the couch, her nose in the same book as before. Ally didn't care, she pressed herself back into Derek's embrace. He barley set down his back pack before he held her to him again.

A half hour had passed, and the 5 teens were all relaxing. With one hand, Derek was looking at his phone, and with the other, it was wrapped around Ally. She had taken his bookball jacket and wrapped herself in it. Her face was buried in a pillow that was placed on Derek's lap. Ally was curled into a ball on the loveseat. Her glasses were hanging from the collar of Derek's shirt. She had fallen asleep to his comfort.

Hyde and Cassidy were perched on the other couch. Catherine laid on the floor, still reading her book. After a moment, she got up from her lay and walked into the kitchen. Hyde looked to Derek and Ally. They were so close, so calming to each other. He sighed a little as he put down his phone. Cassidy studied her boyfriend's expression. "What?" she asked softly.

"Nothing," Hyde shook his head. "I just wonder if maybe I could...be there for you."

"You are there for me," Cassidy said as she placed a hand on his.

"More than just moral support," Hyde looked to her. "I want you to be able to take down your walls with me."

"I have," Cassidy grinned a little. "I'm just waiting for you to take down yours."

"I don't have any," Hyde shook his head. Cassidy raised an eyebrow. He sighed. "Catherine is the only girl, Brandon is the baby, I'm just the child everyone forgets about. That's the only thing I hide." Cassidy was silent for a moment before she squeezed his hand.

"I will never forget about you," she whispered. Hyde smiled as she brushed his curly bangs from his face. Cassidy then leaned her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

Minutes later, Danielle, Lily, and Brandon returned with Chase on their tail. Brandon stumbled a little, holding onto both girls for support. Cassidy and Hyde both stood. Derek's eyes widened. Ally began to stir from her sleep. "What's wrong with him?" Catherine asked. Brandon's nose had minor swelling. Tissue was stuffed up both of his nostrils.

"Well, I'm no doctor," Chase shrugged. "But I think he has a slight fracture in his nose bridge. I don't think he'll need any real medical attention. I think he's more hurt mentally than physically."

"What?" Hyde raised an eyebrow.

"Well, I gave him a pain killer and he's not reacting the best," Danielle held onto Brendon's arm.

"Oh, Hydeee," Brandon slurred his words. "Don't worrrry sooooo much." He laughed a little as he stumbled again.

"Dear hex," Catherine said as she entered the room. "What's gotten into you?"

"Oh," Brandon's voice was suddenly higher pitched. "My sister! Oh! Come give me a hug!"

"What? Brandon I-" Catherine stopped when wrapped his arms around her. She stiffly patted his back.

"Brandon, get it together," Hyde said as he pulled him off of Catherine. It didn't work, Brandon only included him in the hug.

"I love you guys so much!" Brandon said dreamily. Cassidy took out her phone and quickly took a picture. This was too good of a moment to forget.

"We love you too, buddy," Hyde grabbed his brother's arm. "But I think you need to rest."

"He can sleep in my room," Danielle offered. "I don't think he should sleep on the floor in this condition. I'll sleep out here." They then, guided Brandon to the hall. Ally watched them leave with blurry eyes. She stretched out as she turned to Derek. He was peering down at her.

"Comfy?" Derek asked.

"Yeah, I was," Ally said as she sat up. She patted Derek's chest for her glasses. After about ten failed attempts to find the pair, Derek then guided her hand to where they were tucked on his collar. Ally yawned as she put her glasses back on. "Thanks."

"Who is ready to eat?" Darling said as she came into the living room with a full meal.


There wasn't much talk over dinner. Ally tried not to look at Darling. She could feel her eyes glance over her multiple times. Darling had even pointed out how much Ally looked like her mother. Usually it didn't bother Ally, but now she couldn't help but wonder what was her deal? These weird stares were beginning to freak Ally out, but she kept quiet.

"Why haven't I met you sooner? Why did you disappear?" Derek asked suddenly. It seemed the question had been bothering him all night. Ally bit her tongue as she dared to look at Darling, whose eyes glazed over the two.

"Well," Darling looked down before exchanging glances with Chase. "I did very little for the war, but I wanted to break from my destiny. Become a knight. My parents, they weren't very accepting of that. We had gotten into a disagreement one night. Things had gone to far. Things had been said, so I went to the place I never felt any judgement. I like it here better, anyway. Secluded and yet open. I'm free to be who I am. I wanted to visit Ever After, but I've always liked Wonderland better."

It was a simpler answer than what Ally expected. If she didn't have much to do with the war? Why would her parents become so angry? They accepted Daring and Lizzie and Dexter being with Raven. Or at least, that's what Ally thought. It was a little confusing for her. Derek didn't like to talk about it much. It was probably not as good of a situation.

There was no more speak from Darling for the rest of the night.

It was a few hours into the night did Ally wake up. It was about one hour after midnight. The fire crackled steadily. She sat up from her bed on the loveseat. Her eyes steadied as she put her glasses on. In the faint orange light, Ally looked to see Catherine and Lily both curled up on chairs. Danielle was sleeping on a small cot. Cassidy was draped over the couch, her hand stretched down to meet Hyde's open one.

Ally looked down from her couch to see Derek passed out. She crawled from the loveseat and kissed his calm forehead. After sharing a small breath, Ally rose to her feet. She walked to the kitchen, where the light was still on. She was trying to find a glass of water, but instead she found Darling. Her silvery blonde and blue curls were scattered. She was peering out a small window that looked out to the woods.

"Can't sleep either?" Darling asked without turning.

"I just needed a glass of water," Ally said as she fetched one from the drying rack of dishes. "Why can't you sleep?"

"More reasons than one," Darling turned around. "Mostly because of an open wound." Ally studied Darling quickly. She didn't appear to be hurt in anyway. Ally raised an eyebrow. "An emotional one, because of you."

"But I've never met you before," Ally defended.

"It's just...you remind me of...her," Darling grinned weakly. "Apple."

"What's so significant about my mom? Were you two friends?" Ally now demanded answers from this late night encounter. Derek told her to be on her guar, so she was. Darling shifted her weight.

"We were," the Charming girl said before looking down. "Then, something happened. It was the first fall after the war, we had taken a girls day in the forest. We all had picked many apples that day, and mother ate one. Thinking of how we could write our own destinies, she didn't think anything of it, but she should have. She had fallen into her sleep."

"What?" Ally had never been told about this. "She really was put under her sleep?"

"Oh, yes," Darling nodded. "We didn't know what to do. Raven was going to get Daring or Humphrey. Back then, Daring was still a possibility, Lizzie and he had taken a break for a few years before they got together for good. Even if the boys were on their way, we were running out of time. Unexpectedly, Apple's hear stopped, so I gave her CPR. When our lips touched, she awoke. That's when I realized, I was destined to kiss her."

Ally could feel her head begin to feel light. What did this mean? Why was this all coming out now? Ally was so confused. She stayed silent as Darling continued. "She had insisted that it was just a friend's love, but I wasn't so sure. Apple was always one of my favorite people, but I never really pictured her more than that. I began to develop feelings for her. So I had confronted her about it. She would have to choose. Me or Humphrey. There was about a week where Apple thought about her decision, but I think I knew what would happen all along."

For a moment, Ally was about to ask what happened. She stopped herself when she realized her existence. "Her love for your dad was so much stronger than I thought. It didn't matter. As long as she was happy, it was all that mattered to me. That's when I had gotten into that fight with my parents. I had ran away before I could graduate. I finished school at Wonderland and accepted my new life. I haven't seen my family or friends since. I just left the hurt behind."

Ally couldn't breathe. How could her parents never tell her this? The memory she had seen with her parents in Humphrey's lab. It was Apple confirming her feelings for her dad. She had chosen him. It all made sense. Ally then took a sharp intake of air as she came back into the moment. "But if you wanted to be with my mom, then why...Chase?"

"I figured out that it didn't matter who they were, just their personality was good enough for me. Chase and I have a deep bond that I am glad to have," Darling smiled to herself. "He treats me as an equal, never a damsel. That's what's important Ally. If you ever want a future with anyone, make sure they see you as an equal. Love is a partnership, not just one person. Remember that, please."

"I will," Ally was able to say quietly. Darling passed her and went into the hall. Ally stayed perfectly still. She couldn't wrap her mind around it. Apple having to choose between Humphrey and Darling. It was something Ally never expected to hear. It didn't exactly surprise her either. Darling was always spoken about an independent woman. No wonder she would come straight to Apple about her feelings. But in the end, Ally guessed it didn't matter. Apple choose Humphrey, and that's how Ally was here living and breathing.

As she went back to the living room, Ally was about to poke Derek and get him to wake up, but he already was. Ally was hesitant to say anything. She wondered if Derek had heard anything that was just said. Ally knew he did when she was pulled down into a hug. Ally didn't cry or say anything, she just lay next to Derek until she finally drifted into a dreamless sleep.


The next morning, Brandon woke up with a small headache. He glanced around the strange blue room that he was in. What had even happened last night? It all felt like a haze after he took that painkiller. Danielle was sitting there next to him. As Brandon tried to sit up, Danielle pushed him back. "I wouldn't do that just yet." Her voice was quiet. "You didn't react well to that pill on an empty stomach, and there was no way I could get you to eat anything then, so I brought you some crackers to start."

"Thanks," Brandon said quietly as he took the crackers from her. They sat there for a few moments in silence. He then sat up on his own. A slight pain stung at his nose, but he didn't make a sound. Danielle was slightly blushing as she looked at him. "What?" he asked her.

"What do you mean? What?" Danielle raised an eyebrow. "Do you even remember what happened last night?"

"Uh...no?" Brandon was scared to hear what had happened.

"Well...you tried to kiss me," Danielle looked down.

"I'm so sorry," Brandon apologized immediately. "I really don't recall anything that happened last night."

"Well, its not really me you should apologize to," Danielle trailed off. "You kissed Lily instead."

"What!?" Brandon was shocked. Derek was going to kill him. Literally kill him. He kissed a girl three year younger than him. Who also happened to be the little sister of one of his best friends. He started to become nervous. He wondered where his inhaler was as his breath began to quicken.

"Just on the cheek," Danielle put her hands up. "Relax, it wasn't a big deal."

"We-I- Ah," Brandon didn't know what to say.

"It's fine," Danielle rested a hand on Brandon's. "Seriously, I thought it was really sweet." Brandon's heartrate went up again, but this time, in a good way. Danielle grinned a little before she patted his hand. "Anyway, I'm sure breakfast will be ready soon. If you need anymore help, just call." She rose to her feet and crossed the room.

Brandon was so confused what was happening. He kissed another girl on the cheek, and Danielle thought it was sweet? It was really confusing. He would be crushing on Danielle if she wasn't sending him such mixed signals. He wondered what Lily would be like when he saw her. If she had told Derek about last night. He was about to find out.


Ally awoke to the sound of voices. They were distant, but Ally's eyes fluttered open. Derek was still sound asleep inches away from her face. He looked so calm when he slept. Ally grinned a little as she inched away from him. She had checked to see if anyone had seen her laying with Derek, but Danielle was gone, Catherine was reading her book, and Lily was just sitting there, her eyes connected to Ally's.

Ally felt a pain of embarrassment pinch her stomach. Her cheeks began to feel hot. She nudged Derek awake. He was startled. He grabbed her by the arm. "What's wrong?" he asked in a tired voice. Ally didn't look at him. His gaze followed hers. When he saw Lily, his grip on Ally loosened as he sat up. He put his bookball jacket on before he stood up. Wordlessly, he pulled up Ally to her feet.

"You don't have to be so awkward," Lily rolled her eyes. "I know you're together." Ally shifted her weight uncomfortably as Derek cleared his throat. "Well, go on. Do whatever you couples do." Lily stood from her chair and walked into the kitchen. Derek watched her go before looking to Ally. Redness began to crawl up on her cheeks.

"Are you alright?" Derek asked. Ally knew what he was talking about. She thought she was, but she wasn't sure.

"Yeah," Ally said quietly as she looked down. Derek pulled her in for a morning hug, which Ally gladly accepted. With a quick kiss on the cheek, Ally walked over and sat down next to Catherine.

"Hey," Catherine said, not taking her eyes off the book. "What's up?"

"Nothing," Ally shrugged. "Just wanted to see how you're doing."

"I miss him, and mom and dad a little," Catherine said as she closed her book. Ally looked at the book's cover. It was a history book of magic. Ally was wondering why Catherine was reading so much. She was studying for the battle. Smart.

"You haven't called him?" Ally asked. Catherine shook her head.

"I wanted to keep the mission a secret. Assuming he would tell the parents where we were. That's why I finally answered his call last night." Catherine looked to Ally. "They know we're coming."

"Good," Ally grinned.


It was an odd breakfast. Conversation was lacked, but strange glances were at its fullest. Everyone was tired, but there was an awkwardness mostly between Brandon and his siblings. Brandon claims he didn't remember anything from last night. Cassidy was happy to remind them all with he image on her phone. Lily's cheeks were red as she sat next to the red haired boy. Danielle on his other side, was constantly looking at him, and then Lily. There was something going on there, but Ally couldn't pin point what.

As they packed up their things, Darling helped Danielle pack. "Are you sure you don't want to come with?" Danielle asked as she pulled the bag over her shoulders. The other seven were crowding around the entry way. Darling exchanged glances with Ally. Danielle didn't know. She didn't need to, but Ally understood that Darling did not want her to tell her only daughter about the conversation last night.

"Yes," Darling nodded. "I think it'll be better. We don't know the situation, I don't think my brothers would want me there." It was a total lie. She just didn't want to see Apple. Ally wished she would come, make things right between her family and friends. She had been gone so long, everyone must miss her.

"Go get 'em" Chase gave Danielle her sword. The girl hugged both of her parents before turning to the rest of the group. Chase put an arm around his wife. Darling glanced at Ally again before turning her attention to Derek.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Derek said as he waved goodbye. Darling nodded. The triplets, Lily, and Danielle left after him. Ally stayed there. She turned to the door, but then turned back.

"Darling," Ally looked at the Charming. "I know it might hurt, but I know everyone misses you...even my mom. Its never too late to make things right. Please, remember that." Darling said nothing, but nodded. Ally then left the home and caught up with her friends. She hoped Darling would remember that, because she always would.