An: For those wondering where the heck is Apple and Ally's conversation about Darling...Next Chapter! It happens during this chapter, we just don't see it. But our Ryder and Catherine scene is here. I think I needed to touch on them since they have been separated for a long time. (There's just too many character scenes! But they're relevant to the story!) And there will be some fun stuff with that! Next chapter will be all about the parents. Then...the war begins. I really enjoy writing these scenes where everyone's just chilling. But I can no longer escape it. The battle is coming soon!

NymhadoraTonks: Brandon's very confused. He really doesn't know what to do. Dealing with girls are not his best skill. A little more of Danielle in this chapter. Whoops, Catherine and Ryder took up about half this chapter so I've decided I'm going to push off the battle back a chapter. But it's okay! I think everyone likes to see the gang interact. Action is on its way. Only one more chapter!

***PLEASE VOTE IN THE POLL ABOUT BRANDON'S LOVE TRIANGLE****

thank you :)


It was the most quiet dinner. Everyone had been briefed on the plan of action. It was real it was happening. Ever since her attempted escape, Donna didn't say a single word. She had been so down. She pulled her hair forward and tried to hide her face away. After all of this time, she wanted nothing more than it to be over. And yet, she dreaded this moment. The calm before the storm.

She watched as Ryder and Catherine exchanged awkward glances at Hopper and Briar. Donna tried her best to not to laugh at the awkwardness. It wasn't that hard when she looked at her mother's pale face She looked so nervous. Donna wished this wasn't happening. She wished she didn't put all of these people in danger. It was because she had made the stupid mistake of going into that hallway.

Maybe it would've happened either way, but still, everyone shouldn't be sacrificing themselves for her. She knew that they wanted to do it for her, but she still felt guilty. Her eyes met Matt's. He looked pale too. Was everyone feeling this way?


After dinner, everyone seemed to go their own ways, parents and kids. Ryder was sorting through his things. He didn't know what else to do. He would have gone to find Catherine, but knowing Briar, she was probably watching her door like hawk. He kept replaying their embrace form earlier in the day. How he had missed putting his arms around her. It was all her ever needed.

Donna wasn't really an option, he was sure she would visit him before the night's end, but that nervous look on her face told him he needed to give her space. Everyone seemed that way. The softest knock was on his door. Ryder opened it so fast. He was so bored. Who he didn't expect to see was standing in front of him. Catherine looked at him with a smile on her face. Her red-brown hair tied loosely into a ponytail that fell onto her shoulder. Front hairs lined her tan, beautiful face.

"Uh-ah," Ryder couldn't find the words. He hated when this happened. He knew it was from his dad's side.

"Hello?" Catherine raised an eyebrow.

Ryder sighed, "Hi. I'm sorry, I get so nervous when you... you.." At a loss for words again. He was such a dork.

"Scare you?" Catherine walked in. Ryder closed the door an took a breath he closed his eyes.

"No. I get nervous when I look at you," Ryder said before opening his eyes.

"Because I'm so... intimidating?" Catherine put her hands on her hips. Ryder pushed up his glasses and ran a finger through his purple and black fluffy hair.

"Because...I don't know. You're beautiful, but it distracts me every time. I just..." He looked at her. "Loose my words." Catherine smiled again. Without another word, she wrapped her arms around his middle. Ryder hugged her back.

"That's sweet," Catherine laughed as she pulled away. They still kept her arms around each other at they gazed into the other's eyes. "At least I'm no longer the awkward one in the relationship. I mean, I jumped out of a window the other night. I've never even thought about doing that before." He did have to admit, she had really come out of her shell since the first day of school. He didn't know about the window, but she's surprised him so many times, it hardly affected him anymore.

"Yeah, sure," Ryder loosed his grip on her for a moment. "Accept for when I tickle you." He had only done it once before. It was more of an excuse to lead into a hug. He always wanted to embrace Catherine more, but he was always so shy to. Ryder wanted to respect her and never make her upset. Well, he would always tease her slightly.

"No," Catherine's eyes widened. She tried backing out of Ryder's arms, but he held on. "No. Ryder Dexterous Queen-Charming, if you dare try to tickle me I will end your story right then and there if you even try it." Ryder let go of her quickly at the threat, but then a smile crept up on his face.

"I think I'll take that chance."

"Ryder, no!" Catherine tried to run from him, but he was too quick. He tickled her stomach. She squirmed as she laughed. Catherine had tried to escape but she only pulled him with her. She got out of his grasp for only a moment before he grabbed her and threw her onto his bed. She had grabbed his hand and dragged him down with her.

He was suddenly on top of her. Ryder was motionless as they both caught their breath. Their faces were inches apart. Heart pounding against the other's. Her green eyes had met his blue. She looked nervous for a moment, but then touched him on his neck. That was his one tickle spot. Ryder cringed and flinched. She pushed him off of her and she was now looming over him.

"I give! I give!" Ryder called as he laughed. Catherine laughed as she took her hand off of him. She then laid back down a foot away from him. He itched his neck as he got out the rest of the giggles. He turned his attention to her when he notice she was staring off into space. Ryder nudged her lightly. "Hey, what's wrong? Well, I know what's wrong but is this something different?"

"It's really nothing," Catherine said after a moment. He would believe her if her face wasn't strictly lying.

"It's obviously something."

"It's stupid."

"No it's not," Ryder turned to her. "Don't make me tickle you again."

"I just..." Catherine turned to him quickly, wanting to avoid anymore tickling. Nerves seemed to be eating at her insides. He watched her silently. "I-I think... I love you." He was stunned at her words. Was this real, was she really professing her love to him?

"You-" Ryder was shocked. "Love...me?" Her face seemed to drop after a moment, but then nodded and smiled. Ryder was shaken by this, and yet he wasn't. They had been friends for as long as he remembered. They began to date and spend even more time together. He had really spent the time figuring out who she was, and she got to know him in return.

So many nights where they texted only each other. Many afternoons he would watch her study, and just like being in her presence. Mornings where the only thing he wanted was to see her face. Hugs that he never had tired of. How she leaned her head on his shoulder lightly. Their hands that intertwined under the lunch table. She had comforted him when no one else seemed to care. So many glances, conversations, and moments of happiness.

"I know it's soon," Catherine said with hopeful eyes. "I just knew it when I was away from you. I thought I was about to die that night we escaped Ever After and my only thought was: Would I ever get to see Ryder again? I really missed you. I didn't think I would, but you were always the first thing on my mind." She turned her head away from him. She seemed almost embarrassed of what she said.

"I love you...too," Ryder said without a single nerve. It was only then he knew he was speaking the truth.

"Really?" Catherine whispered.

"Really," Ryder said in a hushed by sincere voice. Catherine let a single tear drop down her cheek. She was even beautiful when she cried. She smiled as Ryder put an arm around her waist. She buried her face into his chest. His heart beat loudly. Happiness overflowed inside of him. He wished they could stay like this forever. "Hey," he said, pulling his arm off her. She lifted her head. "I love you."

"I love you, too. " Catherine smiled brightly. They both laughed a little, putting their foreheads together. "I think those words will take some getting used to."

"That's what makes them so special, " Ryder whispered. His nerves had gone away. It almost felt like a barrier had been taken down inside him. A new confidence arose.

"You're special," Catherine said lightly as she reached up. This was a new kind of touch. She fixed his glasses and traced his jawline with her fingers. Ryder's cheeks burned under her skin. Ryder tucked a single strand of hair behind her ear. The heat between them was thick. They leaned in closer, and closer, until their lips grazed the other's gently. It was the longest second of Ryder's life. It was softest and yet most wonderful thing he experienced.

When he managed to open his eyes, Catherine bit her lip and grinned ear to ear. He mimicked her expression. "I think we best wait a little longer before we regularize that." He said this in respect to her. She seemed a little uncomfortable with it.

"Yes. For a little bit anyway," Catherine shrugged. "Once a day, for at least a week. Then we'll go from there."

"What about special occasions?" Ryder asked in a sly voice.

"Oh? What special occasions?"

"Celebrating our first 'I love you'?" Ryder suggested. Catherine giggled but then nodded. He leaned in again, and kissed her once more. This time, it lasted for a few moments. Ryder felt as if the room was spinning, but it a good way.

When they parted Catherine said quietly, "Does you telling our parents about us count as a special occasion?"

"I guess so," Ryder shrugged with a small laugh in his voice. "It was the most awkward moment of my life." Catherine kissed him again. This time, they didn't part for minutes. Catherine cupped his cheek to deepen the kiss. While, Ryder pulled her waist to his. They laid there on his bed for only a few moments longer, then Catherine pulled away.

"Let's not get too carried away," she ran her fingers down his cheek again before sitting up. Ryder followed her action. He felt as if he were in a daze. Or a wonderful dream, but it was real. She looked at him and ginned. A nervous blush crawled on her cheeks.

"You ate one of those mint before you came here, didn't you?" Ryder asked. Catherine bit her lip. She always had wrapped mints in her pockets. She would offer him one at the most random of times. Only this time, he could taste it on her lips.

"Guilty. I wasn't planning on...this, though," Catherine glanced down at the bed they were sitting on. "I don't think you were either."

"W-What makes you say that?" Ryder asked.

"I can tell by that dork-ish surprised look on your face," Catherine laughed. Ryder felt himself blush as he looked down nervously. The next thing he felt was Catherine's lips on his cheek. "I think it's sweet." He smiled as their eyes reconnected. They were about to lean in for another kiss, when there was an abrupt knock on the door.

They jumped up to the noise. It opened before Ryder could say anything. Hyde opened the door while Cassidy leaned against the door frame. "I told you she would be here," Cassidy said in her smooth voice. Catherine shot her friend a mean look, but Cassidy only smirked.

"Uh..." Hyde looked uncomfortable. "What are you guys up to?"

"Nothing," Ryder tried his best to get rid of the blush on his cheeks. "Just talking."

"Yeah, I'm guessing Catherine's a little concerned about the lip gloss on your cheek. Surely it's not hers," Cassidy said, crossing her arms. Catherine had gone back into her shy mode, and was now standing slightly behind Ryder.

"Shut up Cassidy," Ryder grumbled. He looked back to Hyde. "What's up?"

"We were looking for you guys to see if you wanted to come join us and the others for a bit and just hung out," Hyde said, he didn't make eye contact.

"Yeah, sure, we weren't doing anything anyway," Ryder said quickly. Catherine nodded quickly in agreement. They joined the other couple in walking down the hall. Catherine walked ahead of him with Cassidy. The were talking about something, but were too far to be in the boy's ear shot. Suddenly, Cassidy gasped before laughing. Catherine elbowed her hard. She shot a small glance back at Ryder before turning back. Ryder couldn't help but smile, before wiping away the lip-gloss on his cheek.


Once Hyde and Cassidy returned with Catherine and Ryder, Donna immediately noticed something different about her brother. He looked almost...confident? He had some sort of glow to his cheeks. Donna found it a little strange. Cassidy and Hyde took seats on the couch next to Lily and Brandon. Catherine sat in one of the empty chairs, Ryder sat on the floor next to her instead of sitting in the other chair.

On the other side of the coffee table, the two chairs were taken by Derek and Danielle. Ally had been missing. She said she would be back before they went to bed, she just had to talk to her mom first. Donna wouldn't know what about. They had already told about their adventure over the moving wall of thorns, what else was there to talk about? Donna wouldn't know.

"I would say something," Derek interrupted the silence. "But usually that's my girlfriend's job." Everyone laughed, accept Lily. She just had a small smirk on her round face. She looked sleepy. Donna noticed how much she looked like Lizzie, although, she had Daring's eyes.

"So you've all known each other since you were kids?" Danielle asked. Everyone nodded.

"Sorta," Matt said next to her. "I was the latest addition until you came along."

"There was only four to start," Cassidy explained. "These yahoos only came in because they're related to Donna and Catherine. Which I guess worked out fine." She looked to Hyde with a small grin.

"So, let me get this straight," Danielle took a breath. "From all you've told me in the last twenty-four hours. In the last three months, each girl got a boyfriend within the circle?"

"Yeah."

"Pretty much."

"Well we've known each other for years," Brandon turned to her. "It just made it that easy for them." Donna could feel Matt shift in his seat next to her. She looked at him, his eyes were distant.

"I wouldn't say it's that easy." Ally said as she entered the room. "Do you really think having Derek as a boyfriend is easy?"

"Oh, you want to go there?" Derek raised a dark eyebrow. "What about having a girlfriend that tackles you in front of everyone in school, just to piss off Molly?" Donna's jaw dropped. She didn't know about this.

"She got the message, didn't she?" Ally said as she walked over to him and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. He opened his crossed arms as she sat on his lap. Donna was shocked by this motion. Since when had Ally become so comfortable with Derek. From what she knew, they didn't even have their first kiss yet. Maybe they did. It had only been a week and she felt as if she missed months.

The conversation continued to be light and went on for quite some time. During a dead period, Donna was surprised about what happened next. "Donna," Danielle called. "I've only been briefed on the situation, but are you alright, right now?" Donna didn't truly know how to answer that question. It changed so much she couldn't really catch up anymore.

"Uh," Donna paused as she felt everyone's eyes studying her. "I think I'm finally ready to rid of the burden. Before, I just wanted to hide away, but now, my only concern is you guys. I don't want anyone to be hurt because of me. I know you wouldn't listen if I told you to stay here. Whatever happens tomorrow, just know that I'm sorry. For everything. And I'll never be able to repay you guys for your deeds to me." She had let a single tear fall down her cheek.

Ally had reached over and grabbed her hand. "Don't worry, Donna. If we get rid of the spirit, it'll be enough." Donna looked to her best friend and managed a smile. Matt put a comforting arm around her. Everyone nodded in agreement to what Ally said. Donna felt power surge within her. She was more powerful than any person in the world, because she had her friends. She didn't need anything else.

After another hour of chatter, it was beginning to get late. Donna was slightly falling asleep on Matt's shoulder. He nudged her awake. "I think you should go to bed. We have a big day tomorrow." Donna nodded, but she didn't move herself up. Matt laughed softly. "You know, I meant like you should go upstairs and go to bed. Not continue drooling on my shoulder."

"Mhm," Donna managed before she was letting herself fall back asleep.

"Alright," Matt stood up, letting Donna fall onto the cushions. She then awoke.

"Really?" Donna looked up at him. She sat up.

"Well, I was going to carry you, but now that you're up, you can walk yourself." Matt smiled as he held out a hand. Donna grabbed it and he pulled her up. Dizzily, Donna hit herself against Matt before she rubbed her eyes. She looked to see Ally was in front of her.

"Goodnight, Donna," Ally hugged her. Donna hugged her with her free arm. Derek was waiting for Ally, but nodded his head at Donna. She reciprocated. Ally slipped under Derek's arm and they walk out of the room together. Cassidy and Hyde were already gone. Both Lily and Brandon were asleep. Lily was curled up next to Brandon, and his head rested on top of hers. Derek looked at them briefly, but then continued on with Ally.

As Matt held her hand, they both turned to where Catherine and Ryder were. Ryder was pulling her up from the chair she was sitting in. He put his plaid coat over her shoulders. Catherine put her arms through the sleeves as he pulled it around her waist. They lingered a moment, just looking at each other. Ryder then turned to Donna.

Donna let go of Matt's hand and wrapped her arms around her brother. "It'll be over by tomorrow," he whispered to her. "Promise me you'll pull through." Donna was confused for a moment. Pull through what exactly? She decided not to think about the details. She had a bother that cared and supported her, that's all she needed to think about.

"I promise," Donna whispered before she let go. Ryder turned back to Catherine and put his arm around her shoulders. Together, they made their way to the guest rooms.

Matt grabbed Donna's hand again, and they began to walk themselves. Everything was silent. Donna loved the warmth of his hand. She looked to his face, he still had that pale expression from earlier. She swiftly kissed his cheek. He stopped in his tracks. Matt gazed to her in the dark hall. Heat was already building in her cheeks before Matt grabbed both sides of her face and kissed her lips deeply and passionately. She didn't expect such a response from him, but she kissed back.

Their lips remained an inch apart as they kept their foreheads together. Matt had dropped his hands down to her waist and hugged her close to him. "I'll never get used to that," Donna whispered in his ear. She ran her fingers through his curly hair.

"I don't think I will, either," Matt whispered back. "...Please let me stay with you tonight. I just...want to hold you." It was sweet of him to say it like that. It's all that ever happened. They hardly dared to kiss when they were in the same bed.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Donna pulled away. "It'll be out last...for a while, anyway." She yawned. Matt let go of her for only a moment. Then, he held her hand again as they continued to walk through the deserted halls. When they got close to Donna's room, they saw Derek and Ally standing by Ally's room, sharing a goodnight kiss. Donna looked down as she quickly waved her hand to transport them to her room.

"You know," Matt said after a moment, "I'm not going to get used to that either."

"Magical teleport, or Derek and Ally?" Donna asked.

"Both," Matt said quietly. Donna laughed a little as she snapped her fingers. Matt was now in his usual t-shirt, purple basketball shorts, and white socks he wore to bed. "Thanks." Donna was already changed into her plaid pants and comfy tee. She unmade the bed herself, and climbed in. He joined her after a moment. Matt wrapped his arm around Donna and pulled her to him.

"Tomorrow could be the last day," Donna said. "I won't have that stupid possession any longer." Matt's arm seemed to stiffen, but then he let out a sigh and relax.

"I...I just want you to be happy again," Matt said.

"Are you nervous? For tomorrow?" Donna asked.

"A little bit, you?" She thought she would be, but right now, she was more calm than she had ever been before. Maybe it was because she was over it all. All of the dreams, visions, trances, small battles inside herself, and the drama. She was just over it all. Donna wanted her life back. She had to take what was rightfully hers. But, Matt was the one thing she would never give up, and she knew he was the one thing she didn't have to take back.

"Not as long as I have you with me," Donna let herself cuddle close to him. He squeezed her goodnight, and they didn't say another word. One last time, she fell asleep to the sound of his heartbeat. The boy's heart that belong to her and never would belong to anyone else, but she didn't know that...

yet.


Brandon was pushed awake by Danielle. He lifted his head to see the white-haired girl staring at him with a little grin. His arm was asleep. When Brandon tried to move it, he realized Lily's head was resting on it. She looked so calm there. Her cheek softly pressing against his arm. Her light blonde hair tickling her nose slightly. Brandon couldn't help but smile a little.

He slowly pulled himself from under her. She laid on the cushions. Brandon moved his hands under her and pulled her into his arms. He thought there would be a slight strain on his recently healed arm, but she was so light it didn't matter. He followed Danielle silently up the stairs into the hallway. Lily had adjusted to his hold and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her head leaned gently onto his chest.

Danielle opened the door for him. He waited for her to undo the bed before he placed Lily down. He took her hands from his neck and placed them down onto her stomach. Danielle placed the blankets gently over the girl before standing next to Brandon. "She's even dreamier in her sleep." Danielle laughed softly. Brandon looked down to the girl and thought about earlier. She was so excited about telling him about the trees in Wonderland. It was refreshing to see someone generally interested in the world around them rather than themselves.

"She's got that Wonderland quality," Brandon added.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Danielle asked, a little offended.

"Nothing, I-" He stopped when Danielle laughed.

"I was only joking," she put her hands behind her back. "I know what you mean. We're a little different than everyone else. Curious and wonderous, you could say. I understand why she likes you so much."

"What?" Brandon raised an eyebrow. He didn't know what the girl was implying.

"Just a small crush, I think. She likes you because you're different from the rest of your group. You're just not as straightforward. You're a little bit of a mystery."

"I'm awkward and nervous, sometimes I joke around with Hyde. That's pretty much all I am," Brandon shrugged. "The weakest link of the three Beauty-Croakingtons."

"Now, we're getting somewhere," Danielle took a step towards him. "You feel left out."

"I wouldn't say left out, just...I'm not sure what," Brandon admitted. Danielle looked at him with a smug smile.

"Well, you don't have to worry about being weak tomorrow," she said after a moment. Brandon looked to her. "I'll be there to protect you. Goodnight." She put a hand on his shoulder before leaving the room.

"Danielle?" Brandon turned called after her. She walked back to him. "Thanks." She nodded and left the room.

For some reason, Brandon was expecting something else to come out of her mouth. There was no doubt she was stronger than him, braver. But still, he wished he was more brave and strong. He looked down to Lily. She had said he was brave. There was nothing to prove to her. She already thought it. It was strange to him how she had a crush on him. Especially when he had mixed feelings for Danielle.

They were both wonderful girls, but he didn't know why he was being put through this again. First it was Donna and Ally, well...sorta. Mostly Donna, but her feelings changed real quick. Brandon didn't really like either girl that way. He just thought of them as good friends. Even if he continued to be Ally's date, he knew nothing would have amounted to it.

But here he was again, torn between two girls. Why did he keep attracting them anyway? He was nothing special. Maybe it was because he was sensitive? Or the fact that he's helpless. Danielle wanted to protect him. He thought that was nice, but did he really need to be protected? Or could he realize the bravery within him that Lily seemed to see in him. Only tomorrow would the answer come. When everything would be solved.