An: It took a while but it's here! Another installment for battle. Of course, going into tradition, I have broken up my characters again. I just feel like it has to come full circle. Plus, I wanted to give all the characters a spotlight. In this chapter, we have POV of Ally, Hopper, Brandon, and Cassidy with other characters there too! Enjoy!
New Story Cover too! It's got all the OCs!
NymhadoraTonks: We will find out where the book is, but it's a surprise. More of Ryder and a little magic in this chapter. And YES! THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING! Can't wait to see what you think! Yes, Donna is in the cell. She'll live out her worst nightmare. "Mwah haha!" No, I'm kidding, she'll be alright. For now anyway...
Ally didn't remember much of what happened after the briars had closed them in. All she could recall was a howl and a high pitched scream. The howl from Cerise or Cassidy. The scream was either Brandon's or Lily's. A hand that grabbed hers in the dark must've been Derek's. He was right behind her in her pursuit for Donna.
Then there was the falling. The falling was terrifying. Ally had never liked the feeling. Even in the Well of Wonders, she needed to hold onto Derek to feel some sense. She still had his strong hand clutched in her own, but she didn't have the strength to pull herself to him. There was some gravitational force that prevented her from. Then she had lost the grip of his hand. When she attempted to shout, not a single sound had been made.
She remembers the briar curling around her waist as if giving her a firm hug. A single thorn had sliced the side of her cheek. She tried to gasp but again, no sound was made. The heat of her blood burned skin as it traveled down her face. Ally tried to get a hand free to stop the bleeding, but the briar still hung on tight to her. She tried to keep herself calm and not to think about the abrasion on her face. But the pain was fierce.
The next thing she had known, Ally was on the ground. She pushed her glasses upright to see that one of her lenses cracked. She could still see, only multiple Apple Whites were laying in front of her. Wait. Apple! Mom! She quickly crawled to her unconscious mother and began to shake her. "Mom!" Ally called to her. Apple's eyes fluttered open.
"Go back to bed Ally," she muttered before her eyes darted open. "Wait!" Apple sat up so quickly she almost hit Ally. "Oh, Ally," Apple wrapped her arms around her daughter. "Thank goodness you're safe."
"Is that you, Apple?" a deep voice called.
"Daring?" Apple turned to the dark. They were in a stone tunnel with a small torch lighting ten feet of the way. Ally looked into the dark seeing nothing but a silhouette of three figures. At first, Ally was alarmed, thinking it was Laura, Fauna, and Eliza. But it was Daring Charming who stepped into the light.
"Quick! Tell me something only you would know so I know it's you," Daring said, reaching for his sword.
"You couldn't grow a beard yourself so you had Raven use her magic to grow one," Apple said instantly. Ally stifled a laugh.
"She told you that!" Daring raised his eyebrows. His face was now shaved clean, but Ally was used to him with a beard. "You're definitely safe then."
"You didn't even tell me that," Lizzie said as she emerged from the shadows. Daring blushed with embarrassment.
"Well, I uh..." For once, Daring was at a loss of words. Lizzie giggled slightly before taking his arm. He smiled down at her as she leaned as she laid her head on his shoulder for a moment.
"Ally?" Derek's voice called. Ally felt her heart flutter.
"Derek!" She got up to her feet and ran where the third silhouette stood. Ally didn't hesitate to throw her arms around him. They were mostly out of sight from their parents. When they parted, Derek cupped her cheek. She could only see small portions of his face from the light, but she could see it was full of concern.
"Is this blood?" he asked her. Ally had forgotten about it till now. The burning sensation had come back. But only because she was blushing.
"Yes," Ally said simply. "I guess I'll get a pretty cool battle scar."
Derek chuckled. "You're so weird sometimes." He then pulled her face in for a kiss. She didn't expect that, since her parents were talking to each other a few yards away, but she kissed back anyway. They were hidden with the shadows. It was quite a romantic scene, Ally had to admit. But with the circumstances they were in, Ally knew she couldn't stay in the dark with him for long.
They pulled away and joined where Daring and Lizzie were talking to Apple. "I've never been in this corridor before. I thought I had been almost everywhere by now." Lizzie put her hands on her hips and turned to the kids. "Oh my, Ally your cheek!"
Ally only felt the burn only when others had mentioned it. Lizzie tore off some of her skirt fabric. It was sheer, but Ally was still baffled on how she did it with such ease. She was still petite when it came to her build. Only she was a little bit taller than Apple. Lizzie lightly touched it to her cheek, and then, the fabric hung on. "What is this?" Ally asked as she touched it.
"I made this fabric for injuries," Lizzie examined, "Just to help stop the bleeding for the time being."
"That's brilliant mom," Derek said as he examined her cheek. "You have even woven some real bandage material in there."
"She's always been brilliant," Daring added. The darkness hid most of Lizzie's blush.
"Okay," Apple brought back the focus. "I assume this is some kind of secret tunnel for servants of knights transportation. Castle White in Ever After certainly has them. We are bound to be lead somewhere between the outside and or a secret entrance to the castle. Are we sure no one else is in here?"
"This is typical Evil Queen style," Daring said in a matter-of-fact tone. "Did we really think we wouldn't be separated?" Ally hadn't known much about the war. But she certainly knew that. The Evil Queen was famous for her tricks of separating the group so they would have to work with people they didn't usually work with. It was to drive on the madness of war.
With that, the five of them set off together. Daring held the torch as Apple leads the way. Lizzie wasn't far behind. It was really quiet for a while until Ally felt Derek grab her hand. She was happy that at least he was safe with her. Otherwise, she wouldn't know what would be running through her brain at that moment. Then there was a sudden worry.
Donna. Ryder. Catherine. Cassidy. Hyde. Matt. Brandon. Lilly. Danielle. And all of the parents in-between.
Where could they be? Were they safe too? Were they still in that wall of menacing briars? Her breath suddenly began to quicken with the thought. Derek didn't seem to notice, but Ally's mind was boggled. Where could they be? What if they were being tortured? Ally's mind could only wonder what kind of pain the other's were in.
"Isn't this wonderful?!" Briar exclaimed. "I finally get to save the world with my husband. I've waited for this for about twenty-five years!" She was rather cheery than expected. They were in a large room decorated with heart tapestries. Hopper had no clue what this room would be used for, but he knew it wasn't safe.
"Briar, don't sound too excited," Hopper looked at her with a small grin. "As much as I'm grateful that you're safe, we're still missing all of our kids and our friends."
"Come on, Hopper," Briar said as she held out a hand for him to get up. He took it, and she pulled him up to her. "Did you really believe that the possession of the Evil Queen would even try to change her tactics?"
"No, but," he stopped for a moment, "I had a small hope that I could at least keep an eye on you."
"Hopper," Briar ran her fingers through his red hair, then letting her arms rest on his shoulders. Her brown eyes looked calmly to his green. "What did I ever do to get a husband that worries too much?"
"Easy, you picked me," Hopper shrugged a little. She laughed as he tugged her in by the waist. The metal armor between them made a small clash, which only made them both chuckle. Before they could lean in for a kiss, the wall broke in. Hopper held Briar protectively to him when she screamed in terror. Two thorn branches moved in and dropped off two other bodies, and retreated into the wall.
"Catherine?" Briar said, pushing away from Hopper's hold. Catherine was trying to pull herself up.
"Hey, mom," she said looking up at them. Tears had streamed down her face. Briar rushed to her, trying to help her up. Catherine shook her head. "Help Ryder." Hopper hadn't even noticed who was still lying motionless on the ground. Ryder's purple curly hair was dusted with light shavings of what Hopper could've guessed was brick. He went to the boy and propped him up against the wall.
It was then when he noticed the deep gash that ran around his shoulder. Blood was beginning to travel down the boy's arm. This was serious. Hopper clapped a hand over his mouth to stifle his scream. He didn't do all that well with injuries. "Briar," Hopper managed to call, but his voice cracked. Briar gasped when she looked up at them. She put a hand on Catherine before rushing over. She tore her skirt and began to wrap Ryder's right arm.
Ryder winced in his unconsciousness as she did it. Hopper tended to Catherine, who only had a few minor scrapes. "What happened?" he asked as she sat up. Her low -brown ponytail still was perfectly tied with a pink ribbon. It was the only thing that was still perfect. Hopper examined her armor. A few dents and scrapes were over the shoulder pads.
"We were trapped with Wade's guards," Catherine said between breaths. Her eyes darted around. "They were trying to cut the briars but they weren't paying attention closely. The next thing I knew was that Ryder pushed me out of the way. He had taken a swipe in the arm that could've hit me in the head. Then we were taken by the briars and now..." She looked over at the unconscious Ryder and began to sob.
"Catherine," Ryder murmured. Catherine gasped. Briar tapped his face, and Ryder jerked back.
"He's coming back," Briar said after a moment. His eyes fluttered open, then back shut. "Come on, kid," Briar said with gritted teeth. She shook his free arm. He then jumped awake.
"Where's Catherine?!" Ryder said urgently. Catherine threw herself on top of him. Shaking and crying. He wrapped his one good arm to her tightly. "Are you hurt?" Ryder asked.
"No," Catherine pulled away. She fixed his glasses on his face. "You scared the crap out of me stupid!" She pushed herself away from him. But then she hugged him again. "I'm so glad you're alright." Ryder let out a small chuckle. Briar let out a shaky breath in relief as she put a hand on her stomach. Hopper watched them all close. They shouldn't be here. It's too open.
"We have to find a way out," he said as he stood. He pulled Briar up with him. She held onto his wrist even after she was steadied. Something was bothering her, he could feel it. He curled his fingers around hers in hopes Briar would calm down. It wasn't healthy for the baby.
"Dad, Ryder almost just died," Catherine looked at him in confusion. "He needs more than two minutes."
"It's not safe here," Hopper shook his head. "We're exposed. Knowing what we've been against. It's our best option to keep moving and deal with the obstacles before they find us first." Catherine nodded and stood. She took Ryder's arm. Hopper let go of his wife and helped Catherine get him up onto his feet. Ryder stumbled. Hopper could feel the pulse of the wound from where he was gripping Ryder's forearm. It made him concerned. He could lose too much blood. The skirt bandage was doing its job. For now.
They only walked a short way before there was a small echo all around. The three stopped. The briars had peeled back away over the opening in the wall. Briar was looking at it in a trance. Something was glowing inside. She slowly moved towards it. Hopper didn't notice until it was far too late. "Briar! What are you doing?" He called, but she didn't answer. There was only one thing that could have her in such a trance. Something he had feared for years.
"Don't touch the spindle," Hopper called to her. Panic rose within him. He tried to let go of Ryder, but Catherine couldn't support his weight.
"Mom!" Catherine let go of Ryder and put down her backpack. She ran for her. Briar didn't even glance at her as she held out a hand. Hopper was about to place Ryder down, but it was once again, too late. Briar touched the glowing spinning wheel's spindle, and Catherine had grabbed her arm. Both of them dropped to the floor in a sleep-like death.
"No!" Hopper and Ryder both yelled. Hopper let go of Ryder and ran to his family, but then the briars sealed themselves. His last vision was of Briar and Catherine sleeping next to one another before he was closed off. He cried out in anger, sadness, and frustration. Hopper then punched the briar, but he ended up hurting his knuckles. He then groaned in pain. How could this happen? Why now? It had been so many years since they outlawed the signing of destinies. And yet, the book had proven that it still had power in this world.
"Here," Ryder said, getting up on his own. The boy clutched his bleeding arm and stumbled over to the sealed wall. Pressing his hand against the plant. Ryder closed his eyes. Hopper's eyes widened as he saw a small blue glow curl around Ryder's fingertips. He had magic too? He thought it was only Donna.
The glow then disappeared. Ryder cursed and jerked his hand away. "I'm not strong enough to open it. I could sense they had been moved anyway. It's no use." He then clutched his arm and sank to the floor. His back pressed against the wall.
This was everything Hopper had feared. Briar had told him she would be alright, and now, she was in sleeping death with his only daughter and unborn child. He could feel tears starting to form in his eyes. He then joined the bleeding boy and sat on the floor. He felt so lost, so hopeless. With these thoughts controlling his head, he stayed there next to Ryder in silence. Unknowing what was to happen next.
Brandon awoke suddenly to a gentle hand on his shoulder. He saw Lily jump back at his sudden moment, her expression scarce. Her blonde hair wisps were framing her round face scuffed face. "Lily! Are you alright?" Brandon's first reaction was that she was hurt. It was strange to hear the worry in his own voice.
"Yes," Lily's vibrant blue eyes scanned him. "I'm just fine."
"Good, I thought you were hurt," Brandon brushed himself off. He could feel his nose begin to burn slightly.
"Can't say the same about you," Lily cringed slightly. He felt his nose for the open gash.
"Why is it always me," he groaned.
"You don't have to sound so enthused by it," Lily's voice sounded dreamy, but he knew she was being sarcastic. He gave her a small grin. She smiled and tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Pretty boy's awake," Hyde's voice came from behind them. Brandon turned. Hyde was standing with Humphrey Dumpty and Cerise Hood. Brandon immediately got to his feet. Lily stayed on the ground, so he held out a hand for her. She looked at it with curiosity. Probably examining how many freckles were on his thumb. She then grabbed it and he pulled the light girl to her feet. She bounced up slightly on her which made Brandon chuckle.
Their hands stayed connected for a moment. He liked the smoothness of her skin. But then, Brandon had remembered what Danielle said. Lily had a small crush on him. Sure, it could be a childish one, but Brandon still let go of her hand when he remembered it. He really didn't want to fuel flames when it came to Derek's little sister.
"How long have I been out?" Brandon asked.
"At least a half-hour," Hyde shrugged. "I'm not sure what's been happening. We're separated I guess. An old tactic of the Evil Queen." There was a brief silence between them.
"I've always loved the rose garden," Lily's dreamy voice cut the silence. "If only they painted the roses blue rather than red." Brandon took in his surrounding. They were indeed in the rose gardens. All of the roses were indeed painted red. He looked to see a single white rose remained on a bush. He felt the urge to pick it out and give it to Lily. Because she was just like it. A white rose in a field of red.
What was he thinking? This was so much unlike him. Lily was three years younger than him, not to mention she is Derek's sister. Both are valid reasons that those thoughts should never cross his mind. And yet, he still couldn't help it. Ever since last night, he had seen her in a new light. She, the girl who thought he was brave. And Danielle seemed to support it.
He didn't really like to think about Danielle. Well...he did, but what he didn't like is the confusing thoughts that came with her. All of the subtle hints of a possible affection for him. If they turned to be true, Brandon would be ultimately pleased. Of course, if they turned out to be false, he would be humiliated for assuming such things. Brandon could see himself with her, but he needed to be clear on what her views of him were first.
But a part of him didn't want to explore the strange relationship he had with Danielle. He liked to talk to her in a friendly manner. Maybe that's all he needed from her and Lily. Friendship.
"Where's your girlfriend?" Hyde asked in a sly voice. Brandon blushed and looked to Lily. Her eyes were distant and staring at the roses. Brandon suddenly realized he was asking about Danielle.
"She's not my girlfriend," Brandon muttered loudly. "Where's yours?"
"Not sure but I'm not worried. She can take care of herself. Can't say the same thing about you, bro." Hyde shrugged and folded his arms as Brandon rolled his eyes.
"He'll be just fine," Lily said quietly. That when they heard the sudden growl of a wolf.
Cassidy and Danielle had woken inside a lovely ballroom. Not time had passed as Cassidy awoke. It was strange to be away from Hyde, but even stranger to be alone with Danielle. The girl was strangely quiet when Cassidy awoke. She was looking out at something. Cassidy rose to her feet. She pushed her two black braids behind her shoulders.
"What are y-"
"Shh," Danielle held a finger up as she felt the marble floor. Cassidy tried her best to tune into her wolf senses. She didn't feel, see or hear anything out of the ordinary. Then she heard the growl. There was only one thing a growl like that could come from. A real wolf.
Cassidy didn't dare turn around. It was close. She hadn't even begun to master her abilities, what was she to do against a real wolf? Daniel's body stiffened as her nimble fingers moved to her sword. All Cassidy did was swallow before Danielle swiped in the open air. This would have been confusing if it wasn't for the wince and the pooling blood floating in mid-air.
"Invisible wolves," Danielle furrowed her brows.
"What?" was all Cassidy could manage to say. Her eyes darted around.
"It's a Wonderland thing. Now, draw your sword!" Danielle swiped again in a random place.
Cassidy drew her sword, but how could she hit anything? She began to swipe as Danielle did, but she caught nothing. That was until something had caught her. She was knocked back. She could feel a single force pushing her down to the ground. Hot breaths reflected off of her pale skin. Cassidy could well imagine the sharp teeth that were inches from her eyes.
That was when Danielle stabbed whatever was on top of her. Cassidy let out a breath as Danielle pulled her up to her feet and handed her her sword. "How can I fight these things? They're invisible!"
"Invisible, but they still make noise," Danielle instructed. "You have to use your other senses. Not to just rely on sight. When you figure that out, they've got nothing to hide from you." Danielle sliced another one out of thin air.
Cassidy took a deep breath as she focused on her other senses. She closed her eyes and opened her ears. The distant patter of feet captured her attention. Cassidy then struck the wolf right in the chest. She smiled as she opened her eyes and began to strike as many as she could. She and Danielle made a good team. Each helping the other to achieve another kill.
That was when Cassidy was struck across the face. She was knocked hard onto the ground once again. The three claw marks had scrapped on her cheek and the bridge of her nose. Her heart echoed in her ears as her vision went in and out of focus. Her deep breaths were beginning to get lower and even sounded like snarls. Strength was beginning to build inside of her.
She then became a wolf of black fur with a white-tipped tail and silver eyes. Cassidy could see, hear, and smell everything. She howled, and the invisible wolves had begun to run off. Danielle continued to swipe at any chance she could. The girl then turned to Cassidy with a shocked look.
"Cassidy?" Danielle raised an eyebrow. Cassidy tried her best to focus on the human version of herself. Sure enough, she had turned back into her normal armored self. "Your face!" Danielle gasped.
"What?" Cassidy felt where the claw mark should be, but they weren't there. "Is there something wrong with it?"
"No, there's just three small lines where the gashes should be," Danielle sheathed her sword. "I didn't know you could turn into a full wolf."
"Neither did I," Cassidy looked at her hands. She was completely normal now. Strange. Perhaps she had inherited the wolf gene from her grandfather. A skipped generation. Her mother couldn't do that, and Cassidy thought she only had half of what her mother did. "I suppose we should try to find a way out of here." Cassidy changed the subject.
"I just know the other's must be suffering," Danielle had a worried look. "It is my duty as a knight to protect. Especially people who I told I would protect." Cassidy thought that was an odd sentiment. She then remembered the strange looks that were exchanged between her and Brandon for most of last night.
"This is about Brandon?" Cassidy asked as they walked out of the ballroom.
"What about Brandon?" Danielle asked.
"Well, you haven't known the rest of us that long, and Brandon seems to like you," Cassidy shrugged.
"You think?" Danielle shot her a glance.
"I'm not sure," Cassidy didn't want to give her any false hope. "He's definitely different from the rest."
"He's a weakling, you mean?"
"What? No, Brandon's not the runt, he's just more sensitive. Hyde is just like his bold mother, Catherine's a solid mix of shy and confident, but Brandon is just like Hopper when they were in high school. Or at least that's what Briar claims."
"I"ve never been used to such a variety of people," Danielle admitted. "At Wonderland you're either strangely mad, a fierce warrior, or in some cases, both. There isn't much shyness or even uncertainty. That's why Brandon is so different. He has mystery." Cassidy couldn't decide if Danielle meant that as a good thing or a bad thing. It was strangely worded, but Cassidy couldn't relate. Hyde was just like her. Stubborn, sarcastic, and brave. It's what made her admire him.
Cassidy was about to ask a further question, but that's when they heard distant growling. This time, it was coming from outside. Where the rose garden was.
