An: This is the longest and most eventful chapter so far. Enough said.

PowPow456: There is hope! The possession goes in waves for both Eliza and Fauna. You'll see a little of that in this chapter. Not much fluff but I wrote some little I hope you'll enjoy. It's hard to work in love when you're in war and battles. Thank you for your praise!

NymhadoraTonks: Well...Brandon will find out who his true love is today. No, Matt didn't tell her he loved her. When he tried earlier he always was interrupted. So he gave up for a bit. Now, he regrets not just saying it. He wanted the moment to be perfect. Donna nor Raven will let him get hurt. More on that next chapter.

Mia: Thank you for all of your compliments! Small Maddie and Dexter scene. Hopefully, you like it! Fauna and Eliza will be a key role in these final chapters. You'll just have to see which side they choose. Brandon does think he's a hopeless case, but he won't be any longer...

Thank You All! :)

If the one were to rise

Only when the raven cries

Does one soul die...

Apple was still trying to catch her breath. Outside, she was fine, but inside anxiety was truly eating away at her stomach. She needed to stay calm, for Ally. Apple tried to keep her thoughts away from Humphrey. As much as he has matured over the years, he was still clumsy. It was in his nature, Apple knew that. She had to remember had been through this already, just as she had.

She felt herself suddenly smile. Apple bit her lip to stop herself from gasping. What was she doing? Smiling at a time like this? It was an old habit. Apple hated herself for bringing it back. Her mother's words of solving problems. Just keep smiling, and all will be well. Apple should've known her mother was a lunatic from the start. Why didn't she the signs before the first war? It was ridiculous.

No. She couldn't turn on herself right now. That's what the Evil Queen wants. That's what her mother wants. To follow in her footsteps and to cause hate within herself. Apple cleared her mind as she continued to feel the wall. Somewhere, there was an opening. Lizzie was along the other wall, feeling the bricks. Daring was between them, holding the torchlight.

She found it quite ironic that they were in this position once again. Daring standing between two women he had cared for. Except, he never really did care for Apple, in that way. Apple looked to Lizzie and remembered how she was once so mad at her for following her heart. Now, she couldn't blame her for it. Apple had even rebelled against her own destiny to follow her own heart.

Ally and Derek were talking softly behind the three. The sound brought comfort to Apple's ears. "It's funny, that our children are together," Daring said quietly. Apple grinned. At least Ally would be happy with a Charming man.

"Yeah, I suppose it's like destiny," Apple exchanged glances with Daring and Lizzie. They were both smiling at her.

"Mom," Ally whispered after a quiet moment. Apple was expecting a scolding from her daughter for calling her relationship "destiny," but was surprised to hear a quiet rumble. The ground began to shake. Apple turned to see her daughter was looking at a distant pink light. There was a sudden glow of golden eyes. Fear rose within Apple.

A dragon. Of course.

She felt the urge to grab her sword, but then she thought of Headmaster Grimm. His burnt face looking into her teary blue eyes. Apple simply called everyone to run. They obeyed. They were searching for a way out of the tunnel. Lizzie seemed to be trying to remember where they were in the tunnel. Daring had dropped the torch. The golden flame of the dragon's fire was enough for light.

"Lizzie! Don't you think you can remember where the nearest escape is now?" Apple asked.

"I'm thinking!" Lizzie yelled.

"Think faster!" Daring called. "Or it'll be off with our heads!" There was a sudden crackling against the brick wall. Apple stopped moving as another dragon roared through the tunnel. It turned to the group. Ally felt her heart surge with quick beats.

"Here!" Derek's deep voice called. Apple turned to see he and Ally were a few yards back. He had touched a brick, opening a passageway. They filed out into an open ballroom. Not far from them, the two dragons followed through the tunnel. Daring grabbed Lizzie's arm and pulled her to him behind a collum. Apple ducked under the piano. Ally and Derek were both behind banners.

It was all silent. Then, the bricks busted from the wall. One rolled under the piano next to Apple. She kept her breaths quiet. Slowly, the magic dragons stepped out into the open room. They were looking for them. Apple tried to ignore the memories flooding her mind as she kept her panic inside her mind only. Her eyes gazed across to the banners, Ally slightly moved, and the dragons noticed.

It blew fire to the banners. Apple gasped. But, when the fire went out, there were no corpses. That was when she saw Derek creeping behind the dragon with his sword in hand. He looked so much like his father in that moment. The other dragon almost took notice of the boy before Apple threw the brick out from under the piano to distract it.

It turned towards her. Apple tried to back away, but she was trapped under the instrument. The dragon's frightening golden eyes gazed into hers. Here she was again, about to die at the flames of magic. She closed her eyes and accepted her fate, but no flames had even licked her skin. She opened her eyes again when the dragon wailed in pain.

A knight dressed in all silver armor had stabbed the creature. The knight fought alongside a red one. Together, they took down the dragon with their swords and shields. Daring, Ally, Lizzie, and Derek were finishing off the other dragon. Apple was still catching her breath as the dragons disappeared. She let her eyelids fall as she let herself calm down.

The piano was lifted off her. Apple felt Ally's touch as she was lifted her feet. "Mom, are you alright?"

"Yeah," Apple allowed herself to open her eyes again. She hugged Ally before even opening her eyes fully.

"Darling?" Daring's voice questioned. Apple turned her attention to her rescuers. They both took off their helmets to reveal Darling and Chase. Apple almost gasped. Darling hadn't changed a bit over the years. Her hair was still a silvery blonde streaked with periwinkle, her eyes a frightening ice blue. The last time Apple had seen those eyes, they were filling with tears.

When Darling's gaze dropped on Apple, that same sadness resurfaced. Apple managed a small smile. Darling walked over to Apple after a moment of staring. "You came after all," Apple said simply.

"After your daughter's inspiring words," Darling glanced to Ally, who was still next to Apple. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," Apple nodded. There was an awkward pause. At least Chase was talking to Daring and Lizzie, otherwise, Apple would be embarrassed. Well, more embarrassed. Darling opened her mouth to say something, but it was interrupted by another distant roar. There was a scream of terror, and Apple tensed again. Before anything else could've been said, they were on the run again. Apple was still in a slight state of shock, but it was when she saw the next obstacle was when she snapped back into reality.

Raven tried her best to keep her mind off Donna, Ryder, and Dexter. But how could she? They were her whole life. Dexter, the love of her life. Ryder, her smart and sarcastic son. And Donna, her daughter whom she had vowed to protect from all of this. The thoughts alone brought tears to her eyes. It was all happening again. The one thing she still had nightmares about to this day. It was all happening again. To her daughter.

She felt as if she had failed as a mother. Raven should've connected with Donna more. She thought she was doing fine until she found out about Donna's secrets. She couldn't even blame her own daughter for them either. Raven would've acted the same way. She still blamed herself. Dexter had told her millions of times not to, but the sickening feeling still lingered in her stomach. The heaviness still lay across her chest.

Raven, Wade, and Matt were all traveling through the same tunnel for what felt like hours. In reality, Raven knew it had been less than one. That's what happened in wars, time goes by slowly. Just like this whole fall, it had gone by slowly. She had lost her daughter, got her back, then lost her again. Donna was now in love with Maddie's son. That was something to take in on its own.

It pained her to think that someone else was feeling the same way she was. Raven looked to Maddie's son. His light eyes were distant. His tears had simply dried on his cheeks. Raven let out a sigh before her ears perked to a distant noise. A scream perhaps? A sudden whisper talked around her ears, making her shudder. it was all too familiar.

"Do you hear that?" Raven asked quietly. Matt had. A distant echo of laughter and screaming. It made him so tense he could hardly move his lungs to breathe. He furrowed his eyebrows as he focused on the bricks on both sides of them.

"I think it's coming from inside the wall," Wade said before he could. Matt gently ran his fingers across the cool stone and pressed his ear to them. He pressed his bracelet to it, hoping it would open a passage.

"Spell it open?" Matt suggested. Raven nodded as he backed away. She waved her hands in an intricate pattern. The bricked began to move, but instead of in front of them, it came from below them.

Soon enough they were falling. Then Raven's magic slowed them so they hit the floor gently. Matt put a hand on his head. Somehow, he felt dizzy from that. He thought about last night when Donna had magically transported them to her room. He still didn't know if he would get used to magic travel. He looked up to see his father was already on his feet. He helped Raven up, and then turned to Matt and held out a hand.

Matt stepped up to widen his gaze. They were in another library. It was familiar to the one in Ever After High. Only the tall ceiling-high shelves were curved in ways like a maze. Matt looked at all of the books nearest to him. Strangely, he could read the titles clearly. It had happened the last time they were in battle. Only it was the signs above the shelves. it had wanted him of where. There were no signs above these shelves.

"Should we split up?" Raven asked. They were in a fork of the curved shelves.

"In a Wonderland Library?" Wade asked with his silver eyebrows raised. "Did Maddie teach you anything about Wonderland?" Raven smiled sheepishly. "Never the matter. We should keep close. You never know what will-"

That was when the shelves twisted. Matt was suddenly surrounded by shelves. He placed a hand on both sides from enclosing him. He wasn't strong enough. When he let go, he ran as fast as he could, hoping that he wouldn't be smashed between the shelves. There were purple fireballs shooting a few shelves over. Raven was resisting the bookshelves too.

It was gaining on him. Matt could feel his heels being challenged with every step. He lunged forward where there was another fork in the paths. He rolled into the open space as the shelves closed behind him with a loud crash. He flipped onto his back and started to catch his breath. An escape of death from bookshelves, that was a new one.

Once he had gotten back up. He noticed he couldn't see the shelves' paths. They were covered with a cloud of faint grey smoke. Matt ran a hand through his hair as he attempted to figure out which way to go. There was a sudden movement. The noise wasn't human though. It was as faint as crinkling paper but different than that. It was when the object flew past and cut his cheek did he know. Playing cards.

He felt the small paper cut on his face as he looked for more cards. They came slowly at first, but then the red cards swirled around him. If one came close to his ear, it would seem to whisper his name. He put his hands over his ears as they continued to threaten him. The boy had completely ignored the faint laugh that was coming from behind the shadows.

Then it all stopped. Matt let his eyes open. The cards had paused in mid-motion. "It's been a while, you know," Eliza said. Matt turned to hee her. She looked normal, except for her violet eyes. She was looking at her nails before meeting his gaze. He shuddered at the sight. "What? You don't like them? I thought it piqued your interest, eyes." Her smile was something he had never seen before. She wasn't herself.

"They're not your eyes," Matt kept a calm expression, "I warned you of this. Last year. I told you this magic was too dangerous for you."

"You saw me as weak," Eliza snapped. "Everyone always thinks I am. My mother and father both did. They restricted my every move. I don't need to be told what to do or what's good for me. I never needed to listen to anyone."

"And look where that's got you," Matt snapped back. "You're still taking orders. You've always been Luara's pet. And now you're the most vicious villain's too."

"Laura has given me freedom."

"Laura's given you nothing. Only hurt."

"I was already hurting." For a moment, Matt thought Eliza was back. The real one. Her expression had changed, tears forming in her eyes. Only a small moment had passed before her face hardened again. "You should've known that. I'm sure you know that now. What pain is."

"You taught me it," Matt didn't let down his guard.

"If you think that was pain, you have much to learn," Eliza tilted her head. "I can use Donna as an example if you like."

Matt had lost it. He charged at her. Grabbing her by the shoulders, Matt slammed her into the bookshelf. She hadn't resisted. Her now violet eyes just looked smugly into his. "Don't. You. Dare. Hurt. Her," Matt said through gritted teeth. She let out a small laugh, and Matt let go of her. He had been thrown off by her reaction to his threat.

"You act as if there is any hope for her," Eliza laughed again. "We will revive the great one once the raven skull is found. Once the Evil Queen's spirit has returned, Donna will be the first one to die. Or...maybe we'll kill all of her friends and family in front of her first. Then, we'll torture you both together. Lock you two in jail cells and just barely keep you alive until you rot your life away." Matt backed away from her. He was truly frightened at what she was saying. "I could kill you now, but I believe I'm not done just yet."

The cards began to circle him again. Only this time, the voice was Donna's. Matt ran his fingers through his hair and placed his palms over his ears. It was truly painful. "Eliza! This isn't you! You still have a choice!" He called out to her. The cards were slowly taking her out of view. "You can stop this! Be your own leader for once. If there's one thing I know about you is that you like to make your own decisions!"

The next thing he had known, the cards had all fallen limp to a purple fire. Matt let his body drop to the floor as he trembled. Raven laid her hands on his shoulder. Her voice was coming in and out as muffles. Then it became clear. "Matt, get up." Raven shook him again. He sat up quickly and took a few deep breaths.

"They're going to unleash the Evil Queen's spirit," Matt stuttered. "As soon as the raven skull is found." Raven swallowed. Her expression worried. His father was catching his breath behind them both.

"I know," Raven said quietly. "That's why we have to find it first."

Cassidy, Humphrey, and Danielle lead the group. Hyde was obsessing over the fact of Cassidy's wolf turning. Brandon could felt but laugh at the pair. Just they way they talked to each other. Always so excited to hear what the other had to say. The frog listened to Lily's humming as he perched on the girl's shoulder. He let himself close his eyes and rest his green head down. She had such a sweet voice, it made him feel calm inside.

It had been about fifteen minutes since he had been discovered he had been turned into a frog. He was already getting used to it. Being a frog surprisingly wasn't much different than being a human. Only he had to hop instead of walk and was suddenly attracted to catch flies. Otherwise, Brandon still felt like his clumsy, worrying, and nervous self.

Accept for now, as Lily sang a tune to herself. It was quite fitting for the mood. They were escaping from the rose gardens. Not even a simple gust of wind had brushed across the land. Everything was still in the moment. Minus Lily's hair whisps, they tickled his back when she walked. then, one felt below his nose, almost making him sneeze.

"Sorry," Lily seemed to notice his discomfort. She picked him up off her shoulder and just held him in her hands.

"I wish I could just walk," Brandon muttered.

"You could, but you wouldn't get very far," Lily smiled at him. "You'll get the spell reversed eventually."

"Yeah," Hyde laughed. "Like that's going to happen."

"Hey!" Brandon scolded, but it was no use. It was the truth. Cassidy elbowed Hyde as he chuckled.

"What? I was only just-" Hyde was trying to defend himself, but Cassidy shot him a look. He let out a sigh. They bickered back and forth to themselves.

"Hey," Lily's voice was quiet and calm. "Things always seem to work out in the end, so I wouldn't worry about it too much."

"Well, what am I supposed to do?" Brandon asked, shifting back to her.

"Be yourself," Lily shrugged. "It's the only thing one can truly do at all times." Her eyes had gone dreamy again. Brandon supposed it was the Wonderland within her. Her strange sayings all had wisdom within them, he knew that. But being himself? Then he would just be worrying. Maybe she was talking about the self she believed him to be. Brave.

They had entered the castle again. Danielle found a secret entrance. She held open the way as everyone filed in. Brandon made eye contact with the knight as he and Lily passed. He could tell she was slightly disgusted with him in this state. He had to admit, he didn't really like himself as a frog either. He would care about how Danielle viewed him, but he wasn't sure if he cared for her opinion of him at all.

Surrounded by dark bricks, Brandon could conclude they were in a narrow tunnel. Perhaps it was a servant gateway. Traveling by a small torchlight within the walls, the nerves were building as Lily's humming had ceased. Something was going to happen, Brandon could feel it. Lily had propped him back onto her shoulder as she walked.

There was a distant roar of a dragon. Lily gasped at the sound. Cerise's ears perked. There was distant yelling and a scream following the noise. Even Brandon knew who that belonged to. Apple White. Without much of a command, they all ran towards the danger, hoping to assist. Danielle suddenly stepped in front of Lily. "You need to stay here. You could get hurt."

"I could get hurt standing here too," Lily crossed her arms. Danielle's eyes flickered to Brandon, then back to her cousin.

"Stay yards behind us. Protect Brandon." Danielle instructed as she joined the others. Cassidy had transformed back into her wolf form. There was a distant golden light that Brandon could only think was the dragon. He could see Apple and Daring making their escape through the wall. There must've been others ahead of them. The dragon suddenly turned into two, and they followed them.

By the time they got to the opening of the wall, it had sealed itself. Danielle tried to pry it back open with her sword, but it was no use. Lily did as she was instructed. She was standing at least nine yards away from the. There was a sweet echoing giggle. Pink flames materialized between the two groups. Lily almost gasped, but she stifled it.

"Oh no, you have your own mission," Fauna appeared. Her dark hair was consumed with blue glowing streaks. She was facing the others. Hyde seemed to be looking at Lily, but he directed his attention to Fauna. She laughed again. "I think you'll find your own dragon more suitable." The brick beneath the group's feet sifted taking the down. The last he had seen of Danielle was her read hair tails.

Lily was silently hyperventilating. She took Brandon off of her shoulder again and hugged the frog tight to her. He held his breath as Fauna jumped down the tunnel she had made. The brick reformed over the tunnel. Lily leaned against the wall and let out a sigh of relief. Brandon felt her cheek pressed against the top of his frog head. At least Lily was safe.

That was when the brick behind her back opened. Sending them both back. It was a loud crash that made Brandon hop up out of Lily's hold. They were in a ballroom. The two dragons were fighting with Daring, Derek, Ally, and Lizzie. Two knights of red and silver armor were assisting them. One dragon turned its attention to the frog and the girl.

"Lily get up!" Brandon hopped back up on her hands. Lily did as he commanded. The dragon sent golden fire their way. Lily ducked behind a column. He could feel the heat from the flames coming from both sides of the pillar. When it stopped, Lily ran forward, out of the room. Briar arms began to explode from the walls. Lily kept Brandon close as he gave her directions on where to dodge.

One briar suddenly tripped her. She tumbled forward. Brandon slid away from her. Lily was just laying there, her eyes were beginning to close. "Lily no!" Brandon hopped to her. With his webbed hands, he opened up a lid. Lily snapped away from the briars surrounding them. Her eyes darted around. Her back was pressed against a wall.

Tears were falling from her eyes. She rubbed her temples before burying her face in her hands. "I won't keep going!" she said as her breath quickened. Brandon hopped up onto her knees.

"You have to!"

"I can't! I can't!" She was hyperventilating again. The briars were gaining on them. Brandon had to act quickly. Lily was sobbing and covering her face.

"Look at me!" Brandon commanded. She hugged her knees and brought him closer to her face. "You believe that I'm brave. Well, I believe you are braver. Show me that you are." Her blue eyes focused on his eyes alone. Lily took a few deep breaths before she suddenly leaned forward.

She kissed the frog on the top of the head.

In a flash of golden light, Brandon was laying on his back. When a cracking briar twisted itself around his arm, Brandon jumped up to his feet to avoid its encapture. Wait. Feet? He was human again? How was that possible? The only way to break the spell was by true love's kiss...

Lily was his true love.

He looked down to the girl. She was still sitting with her back to the wall. Her face filled with shock. When he met her eye, he could tell they were both thinking the same crazy thing. They were meant for each other.

It was only when the briar tried to grab Lily did either of them move. Brandon took hold of Lily's hand and dragged her along with him. They ran together down a spiral staircase. Then, they stopped at the sight of another golden dragon. Cerise, Cassidy, Hyde, Danielle, and Humphrey were all fighting it. Suddenly, there was a rush of rampant footsteps coming from behind them.

Lizzie was the first one in sight. Lily lit up beside him. "Mom!" She was about to run to her, but Lizzie only told them to hit the deck. They laid on the floor as the golden dragon tail swooped over them. Daring, Derek, Ally, Apple, Darling, and Chase had all arrived soon after. All weapons were drawn. Lily tried to talk to her mother again, but she only looked to Brandon.

"Protect her," Lizzie commanded. Brandon kept hold of Lily's hand as they ran towards the dragon. Ally was the only one who had given him a second glance. Brandon was about to let go of Lily, but she placed another hand on his arm. He would do as he was told. He would be brave. For Lily.

"I'm pretty sure the Evil Queen wouldn't have hidden the skull in the kitchen," Dexter crossed his arms as he leaned against the doorframe. He had been following Maddie around the castle for what felt like days. He wished he would at least know if Raven was alright. If there was anything he had learned from these wars, was that Raven was always alright. But it was still a feeling inside of him that would never go away.

"Of course she might!" Maddie hopped around. She had been rather perky for the given situation. "You never know if the raven wants a snack."

"The ravens not-" Dexter just stopped mid-sentence. It wouldn't matter. Maddie was set on the kitchen and here they were. She was looking all around. opening cupboards, drawers, and the refrigerator. She even checked the trash.

"Oh! Looks at those bowls!" Maddie pointed to the tallest shelves in the red kitchen. Crystal bowls lined the tops. They were decorated with red hearts. "Those would be a perfect place to nest for a raven!"

"Maddie, the raven isn't real," Dexter folded his arms. "We're looking for a raven skull. The bird isn't alive."

"Of course it is!" Maddie retorted. "The Evil Queen's soul is inside it. I'm just seeing where a bird would go. Are you going to help me get up there, or not?" Dexter rolled his eyes but agreed. Maddie clapped her hands together. "Hat-tastic!" Dexter lifted her up onto a shelf. He kept her steady as she rummaged through the bowls.

"See anything?" Dexter asked.

"Well, I don't expect to find a skull and soul in a heart bowl without solving some kind of riddle. After all, this is Wonderland," Maddie said as she continued to look. She gasped after a second.

"What?" Dexter asked. He dropped her down. Clutched in her gloved hands was the raven skull. Dexter's eyes widened as he adjusted his glasses. "Maddie you- y-you did it!"

"There must've something I said to get it to open. I did it!" Maddie jumped up and down. "What do we do now?"

"We have to find Raven or Donna and get them to destroy it," Dexter grasped Maddie's hands that were wrapped around the skull. "You just saved my daughter!" He hugged Maddie. For the first time, he didn't mind her madness.

They did not have much time to celebrate, however. There was an echoing laugh that surrounded them. Several glass bowls broke at the sound. In a pink flame, a ginger girl with purple eyes appeared. This must be Sparrow and Duchess' daughter. Eliza. She was laughing slightly. "Thank you for completing my task. Now, if you'll please hand it over, the Evil Queen may spare your lives." She held out her hand.

"No way!" Dexter stepped in front of Maddie. Eliza's grin widened.

"Wrong choice," Eliza snapped her fingers, and Dexter was forced aside. She was about to take the skull from Maddie, but Maddie stuffed it in her top hat.

"Don't try getting it with magic," Maddie folded her arms. "The hat only obeys me."

"Okay," Eliza cracked her knuckles. Before she could strike, someone struck her first. Dexter turned his attention to the doorway. Raven was standing with her hand outstretched. She was slightly shaking. Eliza had dropped to the floor, weakened by the hit of magic. Dexter just stared at Raven. Was this real? Was she really here?

"Maddie, are you alright?" Raven asked.

"I'm just tea-rific!" Maddie pointed to her hat. "I've got the skull!"

"Mom!"

"Maddie!" Wade and Matt both ran into the kitchen and embraced Maddie. Matt hugged her before Wade cupped her round face before kissing his wife.

"Raven?" Dexter managed to call out. Raven shifted her glance to him. She looked surprised before she smiled.

"Dex," Raven said in a joyful whisper. They ran to each other and wrapped their arms around the other. Raven chuckled as he spun her around in his arms. She leaned her head back before kissing him. Once they parted she whispered, "You alright?" Her face was streaming with tears. He wiped them away with his thumbs.

"Better than alright," Dexter said before hugging her again.

"You won't be for long," another strange voice called. Everyone looked to see Ashlynn and Hunter's daughter, Fauna, was standing there. She looked normal besides have a grin on her face. "I just took care of the rest of your Charming siblings. Only one more to go."

"Over my dead body," Raven's expression became cold.

"That can be arranged," Eliza said as she rose to her feet. Dexter had forgotten she had only been stunned not killed. He didn't know what was to come next. Would Raven be strong enough to face both of them on her own? There wasn't much else he could do, besides protect the skull. Wade and Matt seemed to already have that one covered.

"You're forgetting who you're dealing with," Raven had let go of Dexter. Her eyes glowed a deep violet as her expression turned to determination. "My mother may have wanted to go beyond her story, but I am the original rebel."