Final AN: Dear Reader,

If you have made it this far, thank you. This has been the last year and a half's work of my life. I've been through tough times and I channeled that emotion into this story. Creating these characters and storylines wasn't the easiest thing, but when people review and tell me how they love it, it's all worth it. I would like to thank all that reviewed. Especially Mia, who had been shipping Matt and Donna since the very beginning. And Sky, who is responsible for encouraging me to put more of Luara's gang into the story. Nymhadoratonks, PowPow456, and Creator of Magic thank you so very much for your continued support and reviews. It has meant a lot.

Please enjoy this final chapter of Broken Legacy...

Much love and thanks,

JustAnotherFanGirl2004

keep on dreaming! :)

About a week later, the funeral had come. It was a chilly but sunny fall day. All of the leaves on the trees had turned to various oranges and reds. The wind only took some off the branches and led them down to the ground. Apple had arranged for the funeral to be held at the school, but it only slightly eased Donna. She had found herself lying awake at night for the last few days, curled up with Matt's sweatshirt. Not because of nightmares, but just the thought of facing her again. Laura, who had given her life-her soul for Donna. It was a debt she could never repay, no matter how hard Donna tried. She would just have to live with her thoughts, but there was small comfort in that. Guilt in exchange for honor for Laura. It was worth it all.

Gathering at the school's cemetery brought back memories for many of them. Raven had buried her mother, fought with her father, made a deep connection with Briar that would last thousands of lifetimes, and placed a single white rose on her mother's grave, leading to a final battle Raven had been avoiding for years, all in this bed of grass.

Apple hadn't been here for a few years. She had gotten away from it. Before she had become headmaster, once a month she would come down and talk to Milton Grimm. Giles had invited her to come and go as she liked. Then, once she became headmaster, she slowly got away from him. She felt it was respectful to visit him. He did save her life, and she felt visiting always gave her courage and guidance. Visiting again, it felt as if his spirit was back with her, telling her that she was doing a good job with the school he had loved with all of his heart.

This was the place where Matt spent many afternoons hiding from his classmates last year. Where he would try to figure out why the words on the pages were mixing themselves. He had shed many tears, but most recently, he had realized he was falling in love with Donna here. He had watched her go into a trance. When she had pulled away from the grave, she was so scared. He held her in his arms. That was the moment he knew that he had to protect her at all costs. He couldn't make the same mistakes twice. What he didn't know was that he was protecting the girl he would fall into the deepest love with. Now, he would never forget.

Donna had discovered her powers here, she had confided in Matt and had him hold her, she had gained trust in him here, and she had run away here in fear of the power that possessed her. Most importantly, she met Luara here. The beginning of a friendship, then to an enmity, that would lead to a general understanding of the other, that ended with Laura taking a final breath. It was the beginning of the end.

She didn't listen to the speaker for very long, her focus went onto Fauna and Eliza. They were both sitting with their parents. Donna had heard that they were released from charges since Laura's magic was controlling them before she became possessed. Donna hoped that she would know what happened last year that gave Eliza the knowledge of Laura's coming death. Maybe she would know, but she would always wonder.

Ryder and Catherine were on Donna's left. Followed by Hyde and Cassidy. Cerise was sitting next to her parents, and Briar and Hopper were on their other side. Donna grinned as she looked at Ryder and Catherine's hands intertwined with the other's. It reminded her of when Ryder had claimed he would never fall in love. And it seemed like he was in the thick of it. She couldn't blame him. Once you had found your person, it was hard not to fall quickly.

Brandon was on her right. He was seated closest to the aisle. Donna studied him for a moment. If this had been two months ago, Donna would never stop looking at him. Now, she saw him for who he truly was. He was a caring boy, who was shy and timid but tried to come out of his shell occasionally. Donna used to like him for that, but she knew he wasn't the one for her. She needed him as a friend, and he would always have that special place in her heart, but it would never beat for him again.

Donna had looked around for Matt and his family. Donna thought it would be easier to find him because his and Maddie's hair would stick out in any crowd. Even one all dressed in black, Donna had a hard time searching for him. She finally saw two twin black top hats perched on Maddie and the Mad Hatter's heads. She then saw the tops of white hair. Donna could only assume it was Wade and his mother, the White Queen, who still taught at school. Except she changed from Damsel in Distressing to Ever After and Wonderlandian History.

Matt had to be with them, but she couldn't see him. Her eyes drifted to where Ally sat with her parents. Apple had looked behind her shoulder twice. It made Donan look away to only find who Apple was peering at. Darling, Chase, and Danielle were sitting back a row from where she was. Joining them were Daring, Lizzie, Lily, and Derek. Donna was glad they had reconnected, but Apple seemed to be uncomfortable anytime Darling was around. It was all strange.

The service had concluded, and everyone got up to take a final look at Luara before the burial. Donna watched as everyone circled through. Brandon gazed upon the casket before her with his cold green eyes. He closed them and gave a small nod before moving on. Donna placed her hand on the casket as she stepped closer to Laura. She peered in to see the corpse.

Laura didn't look like anything Donna had expected. Her blonde curly hair was dyed with its pink tips. It framed her tan face that looked relaxed. Her eyelids were brushed with the lightest of pink to match her lovely dress. Donna felt a weight lift off her shoulders. At least she looked like herself, and not what the possession had made her be. A girl who was kind to Donna at her lowest, and cared the most about her friends.

"I will look after them," Donna whispered. "Even if they hate me, for the rest of my life I will make sure that they don't take the path you did." Donna waved her hand over the casket, and a white rose with pink tipped petals appeared in her cold hands. Donna let a single tear fall. "I never wanted this to happen. Please, know that. Goodbye."

Ryder had put an arm around her as he led her away from the casket. Donna didn't know what she would do without her brother. Their sibling bond was unmatchable. If he hadn't been there, she would've stayed there in place, crying over Luara's corpse all over again. At least now, Donna felt the vow had sealed. She had given her promises, and now she needed to see them through.

As the coffin was being lowered into the ground, the speaker spoke these final words.

"It is in life that we are taken under destiny's wing, but it is us to decide where it is going to take us. And in the power of the lives before you that your spirit will be led to its destination. Do not take back any action, for what has been done has affected the world. A broken legacy will never be repaired if its past has been taken. Laura may not be able to live among us now, but she has affected the world in which we live in. May her memory reside in your daily lives in the effects she has laid out for you."

Donna would forever remember those words.

The crowd was starting to go into the school, but the Queen-Charming's stayed. They had circled around the graveyard and stood around the grave of the Evil Queen. Briar had come with them, and she stuck close to Raven. They took a moment of silence as they stared at the stone. "A Destiny Fulfilled," Raven read out loud. "Sadly, it was. She made everything out of what she had, even if it wasn't right. Love couldn't save her, but we all know its capabilities now."

Donna took both her father's and Ryder's hands. Briar connected with Raven, and Raven with Dexter. They spent a final silence together.

They were heading to the school when Donna noticed two figures were still standing at Laura's covered grave. She barely recognized Eliza without her dyed hair, but she didn't know who else it could be. Fauna must've already been inside, she had clung closely to her parents. Donna walked over to her and just stood there in the quiet of the fall day. "I know she wants you to look after us, but I can look over Fauna on my own. We'll be fine without you," Eliza said in a cold voice.

"I'm sure you will be," Donna said softly. "But, I think what she meant was to make sure you guys know that she's still here. Even though your souls are broken, she still is here with you, through me." There was a long pause.

"Laura's soul was always broken, and so were ours, in a way," Eliza's tone changed. "I think that's why the three of us got along so well together. And that's why she trusted you." Donna never thought of her own soul being broken, but then again, she was in a dark place when she had met Laura. Since, her soul was repaired, as well as her legacy.

"I've always wanted to know why," Donna said without much thought. Eliza took a deep breath before looking at Donna with a sad smile

"Maybe one day you'll know," Eliza tilted her head back to the grave. "But today, let's just live in the moment of peace and let our souls heal." Donna nodded in agreement. The two gazed at the grave, only this time, Donna felt as if time had stopped. Just for them. Just for the peace that rested itself over them.

Inside, Apple was making sure everything was in order. Classes had been canceled for the last week. Apple had been working hard on all of the operations needed for the funeral and the resumption of class on Monday. Apple had made a few renovations. She reinforced the protection on the openings of the old dormitories. She wanted to get rid of them altogether, but how could she? Something felt special about them, that they needed to stay. Maybe she would reopen them for use but now was not the time.

Humphrey had been working on the technological renovations. He installed some security cameras in the hall and had help Ally in his lab. Apple was glad to see her daughter bond with him through the same interests. The White tradition wouldn't continue after all. It would die with her mother, and herself. At least Apple can say that she changed her ways before she passed on.

Even with the busy week, Apple continued to have Darling on her mind. All of these years, a part of Apple's mind was constantly wondering if she was even alive. Darling had run so fast and far and was in a fragile state. Even though Apple was glad she was alive, she couldn't believe darling had gone on to Wonderland, become a knight, married Chase, and had a beautiful daughter. It should have given Apple closure of her thoughts, but still, Apple felt the wound was still bleeding.

She was placing some napkins on the refreshments table when someone spoke to her. "It was a lovely arrangement- to have her buried here at the school." She knew that light voice. Apple looked up to see Darling. Her white and blue curly hair was pulled back into a bun. Small curly whisps framed her face. Her blue eyes tried to look kind, but they were fighting the gathering of tears.

"Thanks," Apple shrugged as she placed down the rest of the napkins. Each on the other side of the table, Apple felt they were distant but yet so close. "I wanted to thank you for your help with everything. If you hadn't come when you did, I would've died."

"Well," Darling slightly grinned. "It was your daughter who had inspired me to come back. Ally was very wise with her words. Must've gotten that from you. She said you had missed me."

"I did," Apple agreed. "I was worried about you after you left. Dexter and Daring were just as heartbroken."

"I never belonged here," Darling shrugged. "You knew that." Apple did. Darling never wanted to be who she was raised to be. Darling wasn't a damsel, she was a hero.

"I just wish you would've come back, so I could've cleared things up with you," Apple took Darling's resting hand. "You were one of my best friends, and I never wanted to hurt you."

Darling squeezed her hand. "I know. That's why I think it tore me apart. You still cared for me even though you didn't love me."

"Of course I loved you," Apple shook her head. "Just not in the way you wanted me to. Darling, I never wanted to lose you."

"You didn't," Darling shook her head. "I always wanted to come back to Ever After and see everyone and...you...but I was scared of what you would say to me. I was foolish for not reaching out. I had talked to both of my brothers since my disappearance, but I made them keep it a secret because I just didn't want you to know how much I was hurting."

"Oh, Darling," Apple squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry you felt that way. But I'm also glad you found your own happiness." Darling glanced over to where Chase was talking to Dexter and Humphrey.

"Yes, I did, and so did you. That's all I ever wanted for you," Darling then looked back to Apple.

"That's all I ever wanted for you too," Apple smiled.

"I vow to keep in touch. Knight's honor." Darling shook Apple's hand before letting go. The heat of her hand lingered on Apple's skin before it faded completely. But the warmth of joy still resided in Apple's heart as she felt closure once and for all.

Brandon had searched everywhere for Lily. He had finally come to a decision. He was ready and eager to see her again. His eyes had searched for her at the funeral, but he only caught the smallest glimpse of her. He was shuffling through the crowd when he accidentally bumped someone. He quietly scolded himself for being so clumsy. He was nervous after all, and that's what usually fueled the fire. "I'm terribly sorry." Brandon scratched the back of his head. His sight was greeted with two red-tails whipping around.

"You are?" Danielle raised a brow. "I thought that you would be glad to see me." He wasn't entirely sure he was. A small guilty part of him wished that he would never have to face Danielle again. The strange relationship they had puzzled him so much he didn't even know what to call it.

"I-I am," Brandon stuttered. She grinned. "I wanted to talk to you actually, after the war. I was just wondering why you wanted to protect me so much? I thought maybe you had liked me in...a different way but then you gave more mixed signals."

Danielle let the information sink in. He hoped he didn't say anything wrong. "I knew Lily liked you, which I already told you," Danielle shrugged. "I wanted to protect you, for her. She is my dearest cousin, and I didn't want her to get hurt. I'm not very good with the whole 'friend' thing, I've only been friends with guys who are much tougher than you- uh...no offense."

"None taken," Brandon shrugged off. He knew he wasn't the toughest, but he was brave and that was good enough.

"And if I led you on, I wasn't trying," Danielle took a deep breath. "I don't try to let on guys...I'm...different." Brandon held his breath. Different? What did she mean? She noticed his perplexed look and nudged him. "It means...I like girls." It made a lot of sense. It filled all of the gaps. Why she had sent him such mixed signals. She was just being friendly. She didn't like Brandon that way, she just wanted to help Lily.

"Thank you for sharing that with me," was all Brandon could manage to say. He had to admit, it was a little bit of a shock, but he felt like he knew it all along.

"I hope we stay friends," Danielle grinned. "You never know, I might actually be good a the 'friend' thing."

"You're doing just fine," Brandon held out his arms and Danielle went into his light embrace. It was a small hug, but it was the foundation of an amazing friendship that Brandon had yet to experience.

"Now, go find your girl," Danielle cocked a brow. Brandon questioned her. "You didn't expect my own cousin not to tell me?" Brandon was about to open his mouth when Danielle cut him off. "It's alright, I won't tell anyone. Especially not Derek." Brandon didn't say anything before he hugged her again. Then he left to find the Princess of Wonder.

He wasn't surprised to find Lily on the student balcony. Brandon was surprised, however, that it was only her. He cleared his throat as he walked up next to her. Her dreamy blue eyes gazed at the grounds below, where rose bushes were growing next to the fountain. "I was wondering that I might find you here," Brandon said after a bit.

"I knew you made a decision," Lily grinned. "But the narrator conveniently left out if it was a good one or a bad one."

"There's no doubt that our destiny is each other. I don't think any other kiss would have changed the spell. I know you're heart is true Lily. you would never lie to me," Brandon had practiced this a million times, but he still felt like he didn't know what to do. "You're so young, Lily. The age difference alone is a bad idea, and the fact that your my best friend's little sister makes it all the worse."

"So you're saying you're going to ignore your feelings?" Lily said in a voice Brandon never heard her use. it was dead serious, without the touch of its usual dreaminess.

"No," Brandon turned to her. She looked at him with a perplexed look. He fought the urge to take her hands. Lily instead took his in hers. "I want to be with you because this is obviously what was meant for me. You were meant for me. And I for you. It's just not our time."

"I understand," Lily nodded. "I'm fourteen in December. I only have one final year of middle school before I turn sixteen. Then, I'll be coming to Ever After High your senior year. You'll be 18, and then it won't feel like your dating a child."

"I don't see you as a child now," Brandon shook his head. "You're wise beyond your years, but I know your brother wouldn't approve. We're at different stages of life. It's not the right time. Promise me you'll never change, Princess of Wonder."

"I can guarantee that," Lily nodded. "As long as you promise to never undermine yourself again, Prince of Bravery. And also write. Even if we aren't going to court yet, I still want to get to know the real you."

"I promise," Brandon smiled. "Anything for my destiny." Lily suddenly let go of his hands and hugged him tightly around the middle. Brandon took a look around before he placed his arms around her. His heart felt warm, and a part of him felt complete. That lonely shy boy had finally found his missing piece, he just had to wait to put the pieces together.

Cerise was lurking in the shadows, as usual. Even though the truth of her ears had been released so many years ago, she felt more comfortable with her hood up. She still felt like an outsider, but at least she wasn't the only one. There were plenty of other lurkers with her. They were all lonely, but they were lonely together. It was somehow comforting, given her circumstances.

She should've known better from the start to marry a hood within the Hood Hollow. Charlie wasn't a hybrid child, but he seemed open-minded about Cerise's family. She had thought the hoods would've changed, but she had been wrong. Once Cassidy had shown signs of being a part wolf, her husband seemed to resent both of them. It never helped that his parents had always nagged him about his choice of wife.

Now, it was over. Or it would be. The divorce wasn't finalized, but Cerise hadn't seen him for months, except for when Cassidy had her accident. She didn't know what to do about it, since she wasn't the one that filed it. Charlie wanted out, not her. Maybe she should fight for it like a wolf would for its prey, but would it ever truly resolve. Cassidy was already being torn up enough. If she heard fighting, Cerise didn't know what would happen.

That was when she remembered the conversation with Charlie when Cassidy almost killed herself. They had actually gotten along and didn't blame anyone for anything. It was almost like old times. Maybe it was a sign of hope, but Cerise hadn't seen before now.

"Cerise," Daring called as he walked over. Cerise had a small flashback to Thronecoming. She had been lurking in the shadows then too, and Daring had come over and asked her to dance. Back then, he and Lizzie were still on their break. Cerise had forgotten about their small relationship, but all of the memories were good to look back on. "Are you feeling alright?" He leaned against the wall next to her. Cerise never thought Daring belonged in the shadows, but when he wanted to be there, he could blend right in.

"I'm in my natural element. Of course, I'm alright," Cerise said sarcastically. She then let out a long sigh. "I'm just rethinking my life. That's been a tradition for me at a funeral. At Grimm's, at Grimm's real funeral, and then now. Three does make a pattern."

"I suppose," Daring's voice was quiet. "I heard about Charlie. I'm very sorry."

"It's not your doing," Cerise shook her head.

"Not yours either," Daring almost cut her off. He took a long breath. "I just want you to know that he's an idiot. If I was him, I would never let you go." Cerise smiled at him. His eyes glanced to hers before they went back to the crowd. Lizzie was standing with Briar and Hopper, probably talking about the baby.

"Lizzie is lucky to have a loyal man like you," Cerise complimented. Daring had slight blush on his cheeks. "Thank you, by the way. You seem to be the only one able to bring me out of the depths of my own mind."

"I know the pain of inner turmoil," Daring said simply. "You of all people don't deserve to have that. No one truly does." Cerise had to agree. They stood together as equals, both in a state of remembrance and understanding of the other. It was peaceful.

"Thanks for the tea," Raven handed Maddie back the cup.

"Not a problem," Maddie shoved the cup back into her top hat. "I suppose I must sharpen my skills if I am able to take over for dad. Wade has been my test mouse for quite some time." They both look over to Wade, who was speaking lightly to the Mad Hatter, the White Queen, and Kitty Chesire. "Sometimes I wonder if I had poisoned him, sometimes I forget how sane he is."

"I think everyone's got a little madness within them," Raven shrugged. Maddie smiled.

"Speaking of madness," Maddie eyed Raven. "Has the riddle been cracked?"

"It's been resolved," Raven managed to grin. "It'll get better...It always does as long as I remember I'm loved."

"You did solve the riddle," Maddie clapped her hands together. Raven thought about it. After all of this time, her pain and suffering had finally been resolved. It felt great. A weight had permanently been lifted off her shoulders. Now, she just had to be sure that she didn't forget what she had learned. She must trust herself with the truth of the past, and pass it onto Donna and Ryder so that they can have all the answers that Raven didn't get from her parents. She would repair her legacy.

Matt searched for Donna everywhere. The student balcony had been filled with students and parents, the graveyard was empty, and she wasn't in the castleteria. He finally returned to where he had left his mother. She was talking to Raven and Dexter. Wade had seemed to join in on the conversation by the time he had arrived at the group.

"Son," Wade smiled. "I was just about to ask where you had gone. I was wondering if you would show the library."

"Maybe a little later, dad," Matt looked to Raven and Dexter. "Do you know where Donna went? I haven't seen her since the funeral ended. I wanted to know if she was feeling alright." Raven exchanged questioning looks with Dexter, who gave a nod.

"She went to a special place," Raven said.

"Oh! Another riddle!" Maddie clapped her hands together and hopped once. Wade slightly chuckled at his wife.

"No," Dexter shook his head. "Just ask Ryder for directions."

"I should've known you would've made this hard on me," Matt said sarcastically. Before he could turn to leave, Raven grabbed his wrist. He turned to look into her violet eyes.

"I'm glad Donna has someone who truly cares about her," Raven gave him a small smile. He mimicked her expression before nodding a small goodbye.

He continued to move through the crowd when he saw Eliza. Matt completely stopped in his tracks. The last time he had seen her she had blood dripping down the side of her face. Now, there was a line of stitches. Besides that, she looked different. More like herself. More like the Eliza he had known. His Eliza. The one that he used to care for deeply, only to slip away from him.

Matt had her to thank for meeting Donna. If it weren't for her experience with Laura's magic, Matt never would've helped Donna. He wouldn't have even gotten to know Donna most likely. He owed his happiness to her, even though she had put him through so much pain. A small part of him wanted to go over there and talk to her. He knew about her bond with Luara, she wasn't taking this easily.

Before he could take a step towards her, he was pulled aside by Hyde. "Dude, where have you been?" Hyde asked. Matt didn't realize he was surrounded by Derek, Brandon, Cassidy, Ryder, and Catherine.

"Uh...here?" Matt shrugged.

"Donna's been looking all over for you," Catherine gave him a sad smile.

"Ally went looking for you a couple of minutes ago," Derek folded his arms.

"I was told to find Ryder and he would tell me where she was," Matt shrugged. Ryder perked up at the sound of his name. Ryder waved Matt over, so he went to him.

He then whispered in his ear. Ryder gave him directions to the secret balcony hidden behind a window glossed over with ivy. Matt nodded and left without another word. As he made his way out of the castleteria, he was stopped yet again. Only this time, he was feet away from Ally. She only stared at him with a wide smile. Her blue glasses had been repaired and gleamed in the light.

Matt neared her. She was waiting by the steps up to the dorms. He paused looking at her with a raised brow. "I've been sent around the whole earth. Anything else I need to know before I see her?"

"Just that I'm proud of you," Ally said before hugging him. He was a little taken aback by her sudden embrace, but he accepted it gratefully. Ally was one of his best friends, and she meant a lot to both him and Donna. When they parted, Ally said slyly, "Go get her."

As Matt jumped down from the window, he took a moment to catch his breath. Donna was standing up by the railing, staring at the now setting sun. The sky was mixed with an assortment of yellows, orange, red, ad even some blues and purples. It was a marvelous sight. Matt took a deep breath before taking silent steps towards the girl he loved most in the world.

Donna's violet eyes flickered to him as soon as she heard his breath close to her ear. She studied the light freckles on the bridge of his nose, and the light mint-green curls that dangled over his forehead. He had that unsure look from the first day of school, but Donna now saw it differently. It wasn't the boy who had lingered in the shadows and enjoyed being alone. It was the boy who had loved her so much that he ended up saving her life more than once.

"Hey," she whispered to him. Matt's expression melted into a grin.

"Long time, no see, snoopy," Matt tucked her hair behind her ear.

"I'm just glad I didn't dream it all," Donna said softly as Matt wrapped his arms around her waist. Both of their hearts began to beat at the same fast rate.

"Why?" he asked with a sincere voice. His blue eyes studied her face, looking for emotion. Her eyes were dry, her cheeks pale, but her lips were slightly curved into a smile.

"'Do not take back any action, for what has been done has affected the world. A broken legacy will never be repaired if its past has been taken.'" Donna had quoted. She turned her head out to the sunset. "Our destinies were never ours, they were shaped by our actions of the past. And by the actions of our parents. The past has finally revealed itself, and now..."

"Our legacy isn't broken," Matt filled in the gap for her. She turned her gaze back to him with love in her eyes.

"No, we will forever be broken," Donna said quietly. She cupped his cheek before kissing Matt softly. Once they pulled away, the young lovers leaned their foreheads together, keeping their eyes closed. The love between them deepened with every second that passed. That was when Donna whispered...

"But we are never alone."

Under Ever After High, in the Vault of Lost Tales, a figure finishes scrolling Donna's words on the final page of a big brown book. It consisted of 66 chapters. Spending the last few months recording every moment, thought and feeling of the characters over the course of this story, they had thought they had completed their series.

But then, the figure grins as they write: To Be Continued...

They stand from the chair they were sitting in. The mirror above it keeps hold of the image of Donna and Matt as the figure strolls over to the bookshelf. They place the thick book titled Broken Legacy to the right of the one called Broken Glass. Then, the person grabs a blank book on the shelf. They go back over to the desk and place it on the table.

They then write on the cover. Forever Broken but Never Alone. They then flip open to the first blank page, and dip their quill and wait for the next adventure to begin...

Wait! What?! This was supposed to be the end of the series!

Who is this suspicious figure? Why are they writing about the tales of Donna and her friends?

What will the next story have in store?

This was supposed to end! They were all to live happily ever after!

But we should all know by now...the end is just the beginning...

END OF BROKEN LEGACY