An: I'm sorry if you're feeling I'm going to slow with the plot but all of these scenes (at least to me) are important and deserve to be told. Once this battle is done, I'll have to say goodbye to this story. I want to make sure you guys get the full effect. I hope you enjoy this story even though there hasn't been much action lately.
NymhadoraTonks: Oh yes Darling gives Apple CPR and 'kisses' her. I wanted to mention it in my series because I'm going to go back to the first two stories and edit Darling in a few scenes before she left for Wonderland. When it comes to the two girls liking Brandon...well...at least that's what I want you to think. Brandon is confused too, but all will be sorted out by the end. You also hit it right on the nose with Lily! LOL! She's still gong to be herself, but she's in a little bit of a shock.
All of your requests will be fulfilled in this chapter. Accept there will be more Ryder and Catherine in the next chapter! (Also read my AN for Mia, I think you'll find that interesting)
Mia: I wanted to mention the situation because I wanted Darling to come in, but I knew she would have to reveal her feelings. And oh yes! Just wait! Darling and Case return soon! And about Lily and Danielle, I wasn't sure either, but I think I know who Brandon's going to choose. Here's a little tidbit on Brandon's love life...
In the earliest draft (before I even decided on Donna's crush on Brandon) I thought of Oakley, (son of Cedar Wood) having a crush on Brandon. I didn't know if it would evolve into a relationship, but I scrapped it when I realized I couldn't really get Oakley truly involved in the story. The more I think about it, his and Brandon's personalities aren't compatible. I had developed Oakley to be very high strung and a little pushy because of his involvement in Ally's campaign. Even though he only appeared once in this story, Oakley will be openly gay character that will appear in Broken Souls -the prequel about Laura and her friends. (Currently in the works.)
But, I think Brandon's personality would mix a lot better with Danielle or Lily, because he just needs someone who's secure within themselves. Both Danielle and Lily have the confidence that Brandon lacks. In this chapter we'll see what Brandon wants from his future. I think it's a great way to get to know him in a different light since the last time I truly touched on him Donna was obsessing over him.
(Sorry to go into such detail but I think its a fun tidbit for you guys)
Thank You Both!
Matt had no dreams for all of the night. Little did he know that Donna hadn't had any either. As soon as his eyes began to open, Matt shot straight up. His heart beat loudly in his chest. He didn't even look to his father as he began to question. "Where's Donna?! Is she alright?" He tried to get out of his bed.
"Woah, son!" Wade said as he pressed back his son's shoulders. Matt caught his breath slowly as he rested back on his propped pillow. They were in his room. he had been out all night he didn't remember even going to bed.
"Take it easy," Maddie's voice said calmly. She was sitting on the edge of his bed. "Donna is fine. You fainted last night. We were wondering when you were going to wake up."
"Have you been here all night?" Matt asked. He slowly noticed that Daring, Lizzie, Briar, Hopper, Apple, Humphrey, and Cerise were all crowded by the door. Some leaked into his room. He felt a little uncomfortable with so many eyes on him. He swallowed as he turned to his dad.
"No," Wade shook his head. "We were just concerned is all. Thought maybe you were under a spell."
"We were just about to get Raven," Briar said.
"You did get Raven," Dexter said. He, Raven, and Ryder all entered the room. Matt felt better that Ryder was there, but where was Donna?
"Matt, what happened?" Raven asked. She brushed her violet hair aside. "Did you feel like you were possessed in anyway?" No. He wasn't possessed. He looked to all of the others. He wanted to confront Raven about her thoughts. Expose the possibility of Donna's death.
"Where's Donna?" Matt asked instead, wanting to avoid the question.
"She's in her room. I'll go get her," Ryder said as he shuffled through the crowd of parents. They began to talk among themselves. Raven still looked at him. She still wanted an answer. Matt raised an eyebrow, then glanced over at his dad. Wade seemed to understand the boy's signal. Wade whispered something to Raven quickly. Her eyes widened as she looked to Wade, then to Matt. It was obvious not many people knew of the possibility.
"It was probably just exhaustion," Raven said rather loudly so the others would hear. "With everything going on, I'm not that surprised." Everyone seemed to look at him, then their attention was diverted.
"Let me through. Is he alright?" Donna pushed her way through them all. Her concerned violet eyes fell upon him. He didn't care if he needed to relax, he stood up quickly. A wave of relief washed over him and Donna as they gazed at each other. "Oh, Matt," Donna managed to say as she threw her arms around his neck. He didn't hesitate to return the embrace. She was slightly shaking.
"I'm fine, Donna," Matt whispered.
"Well they said you passed out an-" Donna said in a worried voice.
"Nothing happened," Matt opened his eyes to see Raven staring at him. It wasn't in the hateful and protective way as usual, she looked at him like she knew who he was to her, and she realized how much she had cared for him. He understood she wanted him to keep what he heard a secret. Even though it was tearing him up inside, Donna couldn't know. That wouldn't end well. Matt closed his eyes as he said, "It was just exhaustion. I'm going to be alright."
"Promise?" Donna whispered. She wasn't just talking now, she was talking about the future battle.
"Promise." Matt said quietly.
"Well, glad you're up," Ryder said after a moment. Donna and Matt parted; although his arms were still around her waist. "Because the rest of us should be here in a few minutes."
"Ryder, what are you talking about?" Raven asked. She looked to her son with confusion.
"Oh," Ryder acted as if he suddenly remembered. "Catherine finally called me back and told me she and the team were staying at Darling's house for the night. They should be here in the morning."
"Is this true?" Apple asked with hope in her eyes. Ryder held up his phone, showing that Catherine had called him last night. Everyone beamed with delight. Donna sighed with relief. They were all right. Laura hadn't got to them. Briar lightly hit the boy on the back of the head.
"Why didn't you tell us last night?" she demanded.
"Because you were all...like dead inside." Ryder flinched at he said it, hoping Briar wouldn't hit him again. Briar's expression softened. "Well then Matt fainted so I thought it was a little irrelevant to say."
"Why is Catherine calling you instead of Donna?" Dexter asked in a sly voice. Ryder's cheeks began to burn red as his eyes shifted from his father to Hopper and Briar standing right next to him.
"I...uh..." Ryder scratched the back of his neck. "Maybe I...havebeenseeingherforthelasttwomonths." He said the last words so quickly and quietly. Maddie even raised an eyebrow at him. It was an awkward silence, before Wade laughed a little.
"Leave him alone," Wade chuckled. "He's just an awkward boy."
"Thank y-wait," Ryder shot a confused and offended look at the silver-haired man. His phone than began to ring. Ryder looked at it, and his blush continued to redden.
"Well, better answer it," Hopper said after a moment. Ryder stepped out into the hall. They all tried their best to hear his words, but the conversation ended quickly. After a second, Ryder ran back into the room, his face smiling. He didn't need to say any words as they all rushed out together. All accept Matt and Donna. She held him in place. They were now left alone.
Her violet eyes looked up at him with concern. "Are you sure you're alright?" Matt wished he could unburden his heavy heart, but he couldn't crush her this way. He had to protect her. Someway, somehow.
"Yeah," Matt lied. He nodded. Donna hugged him again. Matt squeezed her tightly. For once, he let himself relax. She wasn't going to die, Matt was sure of that. Donna leaned back. They both leaned in for a kiss, until Donna pulled back. Matt raised an eyebrow.
"I think we need a raincheck," Donna placed her fingers lightly on his lips. "You obviously didn't brush your teeth last night." Matt rolled his eyes and Donna laughed. "I said raincheck." She kissed his cheek softly, and he grinned sheepishly. Then, they left the room and went to find their other friends.
It had been a long walk. Lily didn't mind, she didn't mind many things when she was in Wonderland. She loved it here. She had visited her grandmother and Darling many times. Although, she never told anyone about Darling and her family. She thought everyone knew where she was, but she supposed there was a reason Darling was cooped up in one of the many deep woods in Wonderland.
She had only been to the White Castle once. It was a beautiful castle. It was a brief visit, but it was where she had met Danielle while she was training to become a knight. That was about a year ago. She was a whole year older than Derek from what Lily picked up. She wasn't too sure though, she had never asked. Danielle looked and talked like she was more mature. She had rubbed off on Lily a bit. Accept Danielle didn't have the same appreciation for Wonderland.
Danielle was now walking up front. It was strange how the others came to trust her so quickly. Maybe it was because she was family. While Lily was walking in the back, she had realized the labels within the group. Ally, the cool nerd, and Derek, the jock walked behind Danielle, the knight. The shy girl, Catherine, was reading as she walked behind the lovebirds. The sarcastic werewolf, Cassidy was walking alongside Hyde, the cocky jokester. Brandon was the only one Lily didn't have a label for.
He was falling behind in the group, so Lily decided to fall into step with him. She grazed her cheek lightly with her fingers. Lily could feel where Brandon's lips touched her skin so briefly and lightly. She really didn't know what to think of it. He was drugged no less, he tried to kiss Danielle too. But he kissed her, not Danielle. The thoughts made Lily blush. "Hey, Brandon," Lily said in a friendly but dreamy voice.
"Hmm?" Brandon looked down to her. She was at his should height. "Oh, hi Lily. What's up?"
"Nothing, you just seemed a little lonely," Lily shrugged.
"Me?" Brandon raised an eyebrow. Lily tried to stifle her blush. He looked so cute when he was confused. He always seemed confused.
"Yeah," Lily smiled. She wrapped her arm around his. He tensed at her touch, but then relaxed. She noticed the dried blood on his sleeve from last night. "Look!" She pulled him closer to her eye level. "See those stripes on the tree branches? They're a special kind of tree. They outline only this forest." She pointed out he white bark lined with blue stripes.
"Interesting," Brandon said, grinning. "You know a lot about Wonderland?"
"It's only my favorite place in the world," Lily said, excitedly. She then sighed, "Someday, I'm going to live here. Everyday, I'll be able to hear the harmonious tunes sung by the strange colored birds. I'll be able to just, be myself and live happily. "
"Ever after?" Brandon asked. Lily didn't really know what to say to him.
"I don't like to look too far into the future," Lily said, loosening her grip on him. "I always think life can throw in many twists and turns. What about you?"
"Me?" Brandon asked again. "What about me?"
"What do you want from life?" Lily asked.
"I guess just to be...happy, maybe a little braver," Brandon looked down. "Not so weak."
"You're not weak," Lily shook her head. "You traveled across Ever After and Wonderland to help a friend in need. I think you are brave, maybe you just don't see it yourself." They stopped walking. Brandon looked to her with his kind green eyes. She studied his freckles on his pale cheeks before gazing back at his eyes. He was about to say something, but Ally gasped before he could.
"There it is!" Ally exclaimed. The castle wasn't far from them. Lily felt excitement rise within her. She had dropped Brandon's arm as they all began to rush to the White Castle. It was after only a moment did Lily realize Brandon still stood still, but then he followed the rest of them. She had found a label for him, though. The brave one.
When they reached the sliver gates of the castle, they swung open. Ally was a little shocked to see them open without even a second glance at the team. Ally's grip on Derek's hand tightened as they moved into a small garden hesitantly. Danielle walked forward with pride in her step. There was big stairs leading to the castle. The big doors were pushed open. Their parents were standing there waiting for them.
Catherine was the first one to run. She brushed Ally's shoulder as she passed her. Ally watched as she spotted Ryder. A smile crept up on his lips when he saw the Croakington girl. He jogged down the steps before Catherine threw her arms around him. Ally could tell he was a little shocked for her quick embrace. He then closed his eyes and pressed his face into her shoulder.
"Ally!" Apple called as she rushed down the stairs.
"Mom!" Ally felt relieved as she let go of Derek's hand. She ran to her mom and hugged her, not even thinking about Snow. Her dad wrapped his arms around them both.
"We were so scared for you," Apple said quietly.
"I'm alright," Ally whispered. "I couldn't just stay in Ever After, I'm sorry to disobey you, but-"
"It doesn't matter now," Humphrey told her. "We're all together." She squeezed her parents tightly before she looked around at the others. Daring and Lizzie happily greeted Derek and seemed troubled by how Derek brought Lily. But after a moment, the parents hugged their youngest with smiles. Cassidy and Cerise embraced and were just talking. The triplets were each hugging their parents. Ryder stayed with Catherine. She kept herself right by his shoulder.
Brandon's nose didn't go unnoticed. Briar looked with a little disgust. "Why is it always you who gets hurt?" she shook her head.
"I was going to ask the same question," Brandon sighed. "I'll be alright though." Briar elbowed Hyde in the shoulder.
"What was that for?" Hyde clutched his shoulder.
"I have a feeling you took part in it somehow," his mother crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. Hyde shrugged with a little bit of a grin. Both Hopper and Catherine laughed together. They sounded a lot alike when they laughed. The sight made Ally grin.
"Ally!" Donna's voice called. Ally turned to the steps. Matt and Donna were sprinting down while holding the other's hands. Donna let go of Matt's hand once they reached the bottom of the steps. Ally embraced Donna tightly.
"Oh, Donna I've missed you!" Ally smiled. "I feel like I haven't seen you for years!"
"Same!" Donna said as she pulled away from Ally. She held up her pinky. Her charm bracelet was hanging in front of her jean jacket. Ally took her right hand with her beaded bracelet and hooked pinky's with Donna. They hadn't done this since middle school. It was their pinky promise of friendship. "It's been a crazy week."
"For us both," Ally smiled. She couldn't believe it, she was finally back with her best friend. She couldn't have been more happy.
"For us three," Matt said from behind them both. Ally dropped her shoulders a little.
"Matt," Ally still smiled as she hugged him. "Somehow, I've managed to miss you."
"Ha. Ha." Matt hugged her back. The moment was brief, and Matt stood next to Donna as Ally looked at them both. Matt's hand grazed Donna's tense shoulder.
"I'm still not used to you guys being a couple," Ally put her hands on her hips. "You're actually pretty cute together." Donna blushed a little as her violet eyes connected with Matt's for a few seconds.
"Wait, who's that," Donna's eyes where focused on something in the distance. Ally turned her attention to where Danielle hung back. Wade was talking with her. The three of them walked towards her. Ally would introduce them. On their way, Donna was greeted by the other teens. Brandon even gave her a hug. It was nice that the awkwardness between them melted in the short amount of time.
"Son!" Wade called as he noticed he was making his way over. "This is that girl knight I was telling you about. Elle."
"My real name is Danielle," Danielle stated. "Dani. Elle. Danielle. Delle. I answer to them all." She shook Matt's hand. Her blue eyes flickered to Donna but then turned to Dexter.
"You're..." Dexter stopped for a moment. He looked to Daring, then back to Danielle. "Darling's daughter?"
"I am," Danielle turned her attention to the Charming brothers. "You must be Dexter. My mom always said you looked different from the others." Danielle held out a hand to her uncle. He accepted.
"And I'm Daring," Daring's strong voice echoed a little as he held out a hand. Danielle took it with an amused expression.
"I figured with your prideful stride," Danielle said cleverly. Daring laughed a little. Lizzie nodded in agreement. Ally looked to Apple. She looked paler than usual. Her face solemn. Ally was wondering what she was thinking about at that very moment. What would it be like to be meeting the daughter of a girl that was in love with you when you were kids? Ally wouldn't know, but now wasn't the time to ask.
She looked to all of the parents before her eyes landed on Donna. "You must be who all of this is for?" Ally gazed at Donna. Her face looked a little nervous.
"I wish I could say no," Donna smiled sadly as she tucked her side back behind her ear.
"Don't worry, you've got good friends," Danielle held out her hand. Donna took it. Their eyes looked into the other's.
"You look-"
"Like my grandmother," Donna finished as she looked down. She crossed her arms. Matt's hand pressed lightly against his girlfriend's back. Ally placed her hand on Donna's elbow.
"I was actually going to say your dad," Danielle said after a moment. Donna's violet eyes flickered to the knight, confused. "I'm serious," she continued. "You have the same hair color, skin, your eyes are shaped the same. The the only thing different is the color." Donna's lips lightly curved into a grin. Ally didn't put it together before, but she did look a bit like Dexter.
"Thanks."
It was a chaotic morning. There was much unneeded chatter floating around the group. Ally was finally asked where they had been the day before. Ally took a small breath. She thought about her encounter with Snow White. She really didn't need to explain the useless trip. "Uh we went to Charming castle to get Lily so she could get us to Wonderland."
Derek shot her a strange look. Ally nodded her head. "Yeah, we spent most of the day traveling to the well." Ally was grateful for the others-who also played along- but her mother seemed to pick up on the look Derek gave her daughter. Ally did plan on telling Apple, but now wasn't the time.
After breakfast, they were all shuffled into a smaller room. With the twenty-two of them, there wasn't much room to breathe. Ally was just glad to be next to Derek and Donna; she didn't mind being close to them. They were gathered around a small table with a printed map of Wonderland. Little figures were made and put in the places of the castles. They were going to plan their attack.
"So," Wade took the head of the table. "I had been working with the kids yesterday. Donna relayed every vision she had for me, and I think I've come up with the best plan..." He continued to babble a little.
Ally grabbed Donna's wrist as she whispered to her. "All of them?"
"Y-yes," Donna answered. Ally knew of some, but not all. Her eyes glanced to Donna; she had gone pale. There was something she was hiding, Ally could feel it.
"I think our best approach is in groups," Wade got back to the main focus. "The briers completely surround the castle. The only way in is up of down. I think we have to fly over them."
"How do we know if there isn't a forcefield?" Daring asked.
"We don't," Wade put his hands on the table.
"Why don't we put a group on the ground to be safe," Raven waved her fingers. A small figure of three people appeared in front of the red castle. "They'll have to cut through the briers, but sure enough they'll get through. My mother's magic is strong, but not that strong."
"You're forgetting this is also a fairy's daughter," Matt reminded. Donna's hand brushed Ally's as she reached back to hold Matt's hand. His voice sounded troubled as he said, "I've seen what her magic can do alone. Her powers are going to be much stronger now that she's got the Evil Queen's spirit in her."
Raven rubbed her temples. "I can transport a few in at a time."
"So can I," Donna added. "I can do it, mom." Raven nodded.
"What if they can track you?" Lily asked. Everyone looked at the teen. "She can see these visions given by the spirit. Don't you think the spirit knows where she is?" Ally was amazed of how Lily could put that together.
"She might be right," Lizzie said as she placed a hand on her daughter's shoulders.
"In the hospital," Donna whispered. "They knew I was going to be in the hall."
"What?" Raven asked. "What do you mean in the hall?"
"Laura had escaped, and I tried to stop her." Donna looked blank at the table. "I saw many things. My Raven's calling. The white rose. But they knew I was going to be there. They could have me tracked. How could I be so stupid? What if they figure out the plan? They could attack us here. They could hurt you all... I- I shouldn't be here." That was all she said before she ran out the door.
"Donna!" Raven called, but she was gone. No one else chased her. A few called out her name, but Donna was already to far gone. Wade was already working on the plan again. Matt was about to run after her, but Derek held him back. Ally was the one that slipped passed him. She ran out the door. Donna was no where to be seen. Ally hadn't been in this castle long enough to know where Donna could've went. She then heard distant footsteps.
"Donna!" Ally called as she ran to the loft. She looked over the rail. The big staircase that led to the main hall was empty. The guards were motionless. They only pointed to the big doors.
Ally's heart quickened as she ran to the big silver doors. Out of breath, Ally looked out to the garden to see Donna running to the gates. She called after the girl as she chased her. Donna stopped for a moment as she heard her name, but she get running. The gates were starting to open, but Ally screamed, "Close the gates!" The guards seemed confused, but they did what Ally said.
Donna tried to run through the small crack between the doors, but she didn't make it. "No!" Donna cried as she pounded her fist on the gate. Her eyes began to glow as purple fiery wing formed on her back. She was about to lift into the air, but Ally snatched her wrist. Donna looked down at her with fury. "Let me go Ally!"
"No!" Ally yelled back. "You can't just leave us and the plan."
"I'm not, I'm protecting you all," Donna tried to fly off, but Ally planted her feet. Donna grunted with anger. "I'm facing Laura myself so I can clean up this mess made I made."
"I will not let you ruin everything we've achieved," Ally shook her head. "That's all we want to do Donna, is help you. Stop running from this! Stop pushing us away! We've proven we're here for you, but are you here for us?!" Something must've clicked in Donna's mind, because she slowly lowered to the ground. Her eyes stopped glowing.
"I am," Donna said quietly. A tear ran down her cheek. Donna fell to the ground. She hugged her knees to her chest as she his her face away from everyone. Ally sat down next to her before she wrapped her arms around her best friend. Donna continued to cry. "It's just all getting too real. I'm just so worried you'll all get hurt." She started shaking. Ally felt so bad for her bestie. Donna had gone through to many terrible things it would last her a lifetime.
"I know, I am too," Ally soothed her. "But you can't just push us away every time you're scared. We're in it till the end."
"Ryder told me I should never forget that, and for a moment, I did. Sometimes I feel like I'm still possessed, and that I'm alone."
"Donna, you were never alone," Ally pulled away. "Even at the worst times I was thinking of you." Donna wiped her tear filled face.
"Really?" Donna whispered. Hope filled her violet eyes. Ally nodded.
"We could be on the opposite sides of Ever After and I would still think of you everyday," Ally smiled. "You mean too much to me, Donna. That's how I know we'll get through this, but only if we do it together. Okay?" Ally held up her pinky.
Donna looked at it and linked the pinky with her own. After a moment, the girls laughed softly. "I'm sorry I get this way."
Ally hugged Donna. "You have every right to." Her eyes looked up to the castle entrance as the doors opened. Derek, Ryder, Matt, the triplets, and Cassidy all stood there, peering back at the two girls.
Soon, Derek wrapped his arms around Ally. Matt had placed his around Donna. The other five filled in the gaps. They all sat there for a while, but they didn't care to move. They had gone through so much together, it was a bittersweet moment. It was one of the last calm moments before the storm they knew was coming tomorrow. At least they had each other today, and that's what mattered.
AN- VOTE IN THE NEW POLL! Who do you think Brandon will end up with? Its on my profile!
