An: Oh! So sad that this is one of the final chapters of Broken Legacy! (It only took a year and a half to get here) *crying* Anyway, I think maybe the next chapter will be the last. Maybe I'll break it into two, I don't really know for sure. Enjoy!

PowPow456: More tears and fluff coming your way!

NymhadoraTonks: It is all the Evil Queen's fault, but one soul still has to pay... I wanted characters to slightly recognize the connection between Lily and Brandon because their destinies were finally realized. the glass bowls cracked during the battle between Raven, Fauna, and Eliza. I just feel like the Queen of Hearts would know if her precious crystal was being smashed. She would just have the right Wonderlandian ears for it.

Mia: It is a lot to take in. Lizzie doesn't know about Brandon and Lily, but it's in her character that she notices little things about people. (that's what I've observed from watching the show and reading the books) Matt was meant for the second wave so he, Ryder, and Cassidy could get through the defense much easier. Yes, Eliza has broken her possession and has decided to help Donna for Matt's sake. Since he was the one that warned her a year ago about her magic. Mattonna for life!

Person: Well, here it is! We're starting right off the bat with action!

THANK YOU ALL!

Everything was in slow motion. The wind was whipping her hair in every direction. She could hear a distant scream, almost like a raven's screech. Butterflies felt like they had taken over her insides. Donna didn't let herself open her eyes as she fell. Too many memories were playing in her head. She wondered if this would've happened when she died. That all of the memories would really flash before her eyes.

But there was only one memory that stuck out to her the most.

...

Raven was reading fairytale books to both of the young twins. Ryder was perched on her lap, while Dexter had an arm around little Donna's middle. They looked much younger then, they were only about five years into their parenthood. Donna recalled how she would often take her father's glasses and try them on her small face. She would ask him every time.

"What do you think?" Donna asked.

"I think you look the fairest of them all," Dexter would say before he tickled her.

"But then," Raven interrupted as she continued to read from the storybook. "Instead of wanting to poison her sweet and innocent friend, Raven wanted to write her own destiny. She slammed the book shut and everything had gone still." Back then, the twins never knew who Raven was until their mother had come forward. Donna had only known her as 'mom' until about age seven.

"Then what happened?" Ryder looked up to their mother. She had a small smile as she carried on.

"Raven was ridiculed, and shamed," Raven shook her head as she turned the page. "For weeks they had tried to convince her to sign the Storybook of Legends. She refused every time. Most days, she didn't even dare show her face in school But on one fateful day, Raven decided to go to the hidden balcony unknown to most of Ever After High. There she was greeted by one of the Charming men."

"Is it Uncle Daring?" Donna asked. Dexter stole the glasses back from her and placed them back on his own face.

"No, this Charming brother was not bold and brave, or at least he wasn't open about it," Raven explained. "He cared about books and his studies."

"Studies?" Ryder raised an eyebrow. "What kind of prince is that?"

"A thoughtful, caring one," Raven glanced to Dexter before she turned the page again. "When Raven was declared a rebel. It was strictly prohibited for a Royal to take any interest in a Rebel. But there, on the balcony, labels didn't matter. It was just a boy and girl watching the sunset together. And they didn't tell anyone about it."

"A secret love?" Donna's eyes widened with curiosity. "How tragic."

"Yes, it was," Dexter mumbled with a smile. "As the secret relationship grew, the Charming boy broke his destiny of helping damsels and proclaim his love for Raven. He didn't want a happy ever after without her."

"Someday I want to love someone that much," Donna whispered to herself.

"Pft," Ryder scowled as he folded her little arms. "I'm never going to be in love. Never." Raven chuckled at her son and stroked his hair.

"I wouldn't get too ahead of yourself," Raven laughed. "Besides, love can conquer all. Always remember that you two. If you have the support of those who love you, nothing is impossible." Dexter put a hand over Raven's.

As they were tucked in that night, Raven kissed the top of Donna's brow. Donna wasn't ready to sleep just yet. "Mommy, how can love win?"

"You'll understand when you're older," Raven grinned before joining Dexter at the door. They turned out the light before Raven said, "Goodnight. I love you."

...

Only now did Donna understand what her mother was trying to tell her that night. She wished she had known it all along. That way, she wouldn't have had to learn that on her own. But maybe it was meant to be that way. How she would fall in love and learn of the power it possessed. Without Matt, without Raven, without Ally, without everyone she loved, she wouldn't be making this sacrifice.

Donna held out the skull towards the ground. It would shatter on impact, hopefully. Donna let herself open her eyes as things began to speed up again. The ground came closer and closer until...there was a ring of bluish-purple flames. Before Donna could truly react, she was submerged. She stuck out the skull more as she hit the ground.

Except, she didn't hit the ground. The skull smashed between her hand and the stone of the top platform. The wave of pressure threw her from the crash. She rolled unto her back and let herself exhale. She wasn't dead. Or maybe she was? Donna wasn't quite sure until she saw Ryder's face. Donna let out a sigh. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears again. "Ryder? What-"

"We've got you," Raven's voice made Donna turn her head. Together, Raven and Ryder lifted Donna to her feet. She stumbled. Donna felt so weak as if life was being drained from her. The skull was still working.

"Did you really think smashing the skull would destroy the soul within it?" Laura's voice called. Donna looked to see the pieces of the smashed Raven skull were swirling in the air with the tea leaves, ribbon, and feather. "You would've been better off dying. I guess I'll have to do the honors myself. Then the spell will be complete." Before Raven could have defended Donna, Laura threw magic at the three of them.

"Not on my watch!" Ally yelled as she stepped in front of the magic blast. Donna held out her hand to push Ally out of the way, but the magic blast was too fast. Both bracelets on each girl's wrists touched just in time to deflect the blast.

It turned back and hit Laura right in the chest, and she went down. Donna gasped. Ally had just saved her life. Ally was just catching her breath as she turned to look at Donna. After only a second of staring, they both smiled and embraced. "I'm so glad you're alright," Donna squeezed Ally to her. But then, Donna felt her legs give out.

"Donna!" Raven called as she and Ryder picked up Donna again. It was a struggle just to keep her eyes open. What was happening to her?

"She's draining us!" another voice called. Donna turned to see Eliza was stumbling. She was clutching onto Matt's arm. If Eliza had not let her go free, Donna would strike Eliza with a ball of magic. Her head was bleeding from the fall she had endured. "The skull has almost completed itself."

"Destroy it," Donna said to her mother. Raven shook her head with wide eyes.

"It'll kill you."

"I don't care."

"Donna," Matt's voice called. Donna looked at him. There were tears in his eyes. She could've imagined what pain she had put him through in the last two minutes. She had to sacrifice herself. It was the only way to end this stupid game.

"Transfer it to me," Eliza suddenly said. "If we hold hands I'll take your share." Donna couldn't believe the sacrifice Eliza was willing to make. She opened her mouth to say something, but then she was cut off.

"Help!" Fauna called. She was sitting down next to Laura with tears falling down her cheeks. Donna was rushed over with Eliza. Weakly, they sat down next to the dying Laura. Her eyes were the old bright blue Donna remembered them to be. Her chest was rising and falling shakily.

"Take my hand," Laura's usual voice called to all of them. Fauna did without hesitation. She pressed Laura's hand to her heart as tears continued to roll down her cheeks. Eliza's hands trembled as she picked up Laura's other one. Laura closed her eyes. The dark veins that were crawling up her neck were now up to her cheeks. Her skin was paling, her hair becoming more of a raven black. She was taking the magic from them.

The violet drained to reveal Eliza's grey eyes. The paleness of Fauna's skin faded to her usual pigment. Laura opened her eyes again. They were now the deepest of violet, but her smile was all hers as she said, "Fairy friends forever after?"

"Fairy friends forever after," both Fauna and Eliza said in unison. Linking pinkies, they all laughed one last time together, then Laura's dark eyes drifted to Donna's. She let go of her best friends' hands and held both of them to Donna. Eliza and Fauna both moved away so Donna could be the closest to her.

Donna hesitated, but she grabbed both of Laura's hands. They were finally finishing what they had started. Donna felt as if she was back at the gravestone. Laura held out a hand for her in hopes of being a helpful friend. And here they are again, offering the same thing. "I'm sorry it has to end this way," Donna said, her eyes were filling with water.

"Me too," Laura said as a single tear shed. "Take care of them for me." Donna nodded before Laura closed her eyes. She could feel the power of the Evil Queen's darkness leaving her body. It was as strange as the first exchange, only this one was much heavier with the consequences that Donna knew would follow. Slowly, but surely, Donna became her full self again.

Laura had taken her final breath.

Then she let it go.

She sat there for a moment, just taking the stillness in. Every active spell activated by Laura had gone still. The dragon of thorns shriveled as well as the wall. The curse over Wonderland receded. The invisible wolves disappeared. Wade's knights became conscious. The card soldiers stopped fighting the men. It was as if time had stopped and taken a moment to appreciate Laura's ultimate sacrifice.

"Donna, the skull," Eliza said after a moment. "You need to destroy it." She gazed into her grey eyes. They were fighting back many tears. Donna nodded as she let go of Laura's limp hands and rose to her feet. For one, she didn't feel weak. She felt like herself.

The skull and its pieces were still floating in the air as Donna neared it. Raven took her hand, and then Ryder took the other. Donna did her best to remember the destroying chant. She spoke it in the clearest voice she could muster. A purple strain of magic materialized. It made up a figure of the Evil Queen. She wasn't in the flesh, but a soul.

The Evil Queen's spirit took the red ribbon first. She glided over to Ally. Ally's face paled and Derek put a protective arm in front of her as the spirit neared. The Evil Queen simply tossed the ribbon into the air, and it laced itself around Ally's wrist just over her friendship bracelet. The Evil Queen turned sharply towards Matt. Her lined purple eyes shining with magical sparks. The tea leaves flew all around him and through his mint green hair before winding around his bracelet. Lastly, the Evil Queen turned back to Donna. The feather tickled her under her chin before lacing itself on her bracelet too. Then, each bracelet glowed as the element embedded itself into their skin. Donna looked at her wrist to see a small feather tattoo materialized on her skin.

She let go of her mother's hand as Raven stepped forward. The Evil Queen only stared at her. Raven for once didn't look horrified to see her mother or any resemblance to her. The Evil Queen had pulled another gift from her lifeless form. A single white rose. Raven stared at it with wide eyes. Donna watched intently as her mother's hand reached for it shakily.

Raven grabbed the rose before the Evil Queen's voice echoed.

"You won, Raven."

The spirit kissed the top of Raven's head before slowly chipping away into the nothing.

It was all over.

They won.

Everyone cheered in victory. Ryder was the only one who stayed silent. He stared up at the bubble that still contained Catherine and Briar. His heart longed to scoop Catherine into his arms and kiss her. It was a special occasion after all. How could they get them down? Donna seemed to notice her brother's distress. She threw a magic ball at the bubble. It had bounced off the barrier. Together, the twins both threw magic at the bubble, but it was deflected.

"I've got it!" Hopper's voice called happily. They turned their attention to the others. Dexter was holding Raven and many parents were still embracing their children. Hopper held a rose pendant on a necklace. He then threw it at the ground. It shattered and so did the bubble. The girls were about to fall to their deaths if Ryder hadn't caught them with his magic.

"Since when did you have magic?" Donna asked.

"This morning," Ryder shrugged as he lowered both of them to the ground gently. His heartbeat quickly in anticipation. Hopper ran over to Briar and attempted to wake her with a touch on the face. Briar didn't wake up. They were still under the sleeping curse.

"True love's kiss will break the spell," Lily said. Ryder hadn't even noticed they had gathered around him. Everyone had been so silent. He looked to Brandon and Hyde. Brandon had a small blush on his pale cheeks, while Hyde just gave Ryder a nod.

Hopper nervously propped Briar in his lap. Her light brown skin was calm in her sleep. Hopper took a deep breath before he leaned down and kissed her. Ryder held his breath as Hopper pulled away. Everyone seemed to stop breathing as Briar laid there. She didn't wake up. Hopper looked so hurt it was as if someone had stabbed him through the heart.

"I just kidding," Briar suddenly sprang up. Everyone gasped. Hopper looked the most shocked of all. Then he folded his arms and looked away from her. It was a cruel little trick to play, but Catherine had told him about how much Hopper had been dreading this day. Briar of course would want to make a small joke to ease the tension. She bumped Hopper in the arm."Hey," she turned his face to hers, "That's two curses down, zero to go."

It took a moment, but then Hopper smiled, cupped her cheek, and kissed Briar again. Everyone cheered and clapped again. "Well, I guess there's one more to go," Donna nudged Ryder. He could already feel his pams become sweat. The collar of his shirt was tightening around his throat. He gazed at Donna, who had a smirk on her face. Matt's arm was wrapped tightly around her, and he gave him the same encouraging look.

"Go on," Raven pushed her son forward. Ryder took a step, then another. Every move felt weighted to him. He was lucky Briar and Hopper were still in a tight embrace when he passed them. The two didn't even seem to notice his presence. Ryder got down on his knees and brushed the hair off of Catherine's face. Only now did Ryder notice the tiny freckles on the bridge of her nose. It made his heart skip a beat.

Carefully, he propped her in his arms. They had only done this a few times, and Ryder wished there wasn't an audience. There was a slight click in his ear and Ryder looked up to see everyone was still. They had been frozen in time. It was strange how this magic worked, but Ryder was beginning to like it. His gaze went back to the maiden in his arms.

She looked so lovely when she was asleep. Ryder could've stared at her forever. But in this case, he preferred that he would get this over with and know the truth. Was he Catherine's true love? It was a lot of pressure on this single kiss. He did love her. He loved her smile, love for books, shyness mixed with wildness, just everything about her. But how was he to know if he was destined to be with her? What if he wasn't good enough? What if she didn't love him as much as he did her?

There was only one way to find out.

Ryder's nerves kept him hesitating for another minute. He gazed at all of the frozen people. Matt and Donna were in the middle of exchanging loving glances. Derek and Ally were holding hands. Ryder hadn't even noticed, but Cassidy and Hyde seemed to be in the middle of bickering. Even Lily was stealing a look at Brandon. Everyone had seemed to find their match, why was it so hard for Ryder right in this moment?

He thought of when his mother first told him the story of how she fell in love with Dexter. He had told her that he would never fall in love. Never. Now look at him, he's wondering if he loved Catherine enough to be her true love. The whole thing was just...silly. He was about to just press his lips against her quickly, but when he looked down at Catherine again, he stopped.

His finger grazed the side of her cheek as he slowly leaned down. He felt her breath reflect off of his skin. A shudder of anticipation ran through his body before his lips grazed hers gently. Ryder didn't pull away fast enough, because Catherine was already kissing him back. In a surprise, Ryder jerked his head back. It worked. The kiss worked. He was her true love.

"Rine?" Ryder raised a brow. "Were you playing me?"

"No. You're a slow kisser," Catherine smiled.

"I'm working on it," Ryder chuckled. "I thought we were only supposed to kiss once every day for a week."

"Except for special occasions," Catherine reminded. "I would say this was a special occasion. Wouldn't you say, true love?" Ryder adored hearing her call him that. True love. It was as if they were in a fairytale.

"I would have to think about that, true love," Ryder tilted his head as if he was thinking. He could almost see the look of confusion on Catherine's face before he dipped her. They were both smiling inches apart from the other. "Absolutely."

They didn't say anymore. Catherine pulled him by the collar to her. They kissed passionately. Ryder held her tight before she became the one who was holding him. The couple pulled apart and laughed. Catherine tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her ponytail had become undone. Running her fingers through his hair, she then leaned forward and kissed Ryder gently one last time.

"I love you," she said after she pulled away. Their foreheads were pressed together, and their eyes closed.

"I love you, too, Rine," Ryder cupped her cheek with his hand. He heard another click in his ear, and everyone became unfrozen from the magical trance.

"Wait, what just happened?" Derek said as he looked around. "Did we miss the action?" Ally elbowed him in the side, and he shot her a loving look. Ryder felt a blush form on his cheeks. Catherine was no leaning over him. It was probably a sight unexpected. As Ryder sat up Catherine let her hands drop away from him.

"I thought I fell asleep for a minute. I'm going to admit I needed the extra sleep," Briar rubbed her eyes before she took Hopper's hands. He pulled her up to her feet. Then Briar stumbled and placed a hand over her stomach. "Woah, it's a little early to feel a movement. I barely over three months."

"Movement?" Catherine raised an eyebrow.

"Three months?" Hyde asked.

"Barely over?" Brandon added.

"Mom," Catherine rose to her feet. The triplets all surrounded their parents. "Are you...pregnant?"

"Yes," Briar admitted. All three of them took a step back.

"I didn't think you guys still showed affection," Hyde said as he lifted his shirt collar over his mouth to hide away his cringe.

"You're very oblivious then, Hyde," Brandon nudged him. Ryder could still see a small sign of disgust come over Brandon's face.

"Well I think it's wonderful, mom," Catherine hugged Briar. She then looked down at her stomach. "Please be a girl, I need more sanity in this family."

"No, we need another boy," Hyde came out of his small shell. "I need someone to play bookball with."

"You'll have me next season," Brandon defended.

Hyde raised a brow. "Really?" He looked at Brandon's arm and fractured nose.

"Why not?" Brandon shrugged. Hyde smiled and nodded in approval. Briar looked like she was about to protest, but when Hopper put his arm around her, she stopped.

"I can't believe it!" Apple clapped her hands together. All of the parents began to circle Briar and Hopper. Catherine waded her way out of the small crowd and made her way back to Ryder.

"You're not utterly disgusted?" Ryder had to admit he was a little surprised at Catherine's reaction to the news.

"No, I totally am. People their age should never be showing any liking to the other," Catherine shuddered. "But, I guess it shows that love really lasts." She laced her arms around his middle and filled the gap between them. Ryder was about to lean down and kiss her, but then Hyde called over.

"Hand check!" Hyde managed to say before Cassidy elbowed him. "What?" Hyde shrugged. Cassidy rolled her eyes.

Catherine let go of Ryder to hug Donna, Ally, Lily, and Cassidy. Even Danielle got an embrace from her. The girls began to gab as the guys surrounded Ryder. "Congratulations," Derek put a hand on Ryder's shoulder, "You've just earned yourself a permanent ball and chain." The boys laughed at this.

"He'll be fine," Matt folded his arms. "They're not that bad once you find out that they don't have cooties." Ryder tried not to think about Donna and Matt at the moment. He liked Matt, but Donna was still his sister.

"Mine just has fleas," Hyde looked over to Cassidy to make sure she didn't hear that. Ryder couldn't help but chuckle.

"At least you can be certain now, that she's the right one," Brandon said in a serious tone. "It's a comfort to the mind." Ryder almost felt that Brandon was talking from his own experience.

Ryder looked to Catherine as she talked to the girls. He smiled to himself as he said, "I think Matt's right. We'll be just fine."

"I still can't really believe it either," Catherine shrugged. "I mean, my whole future with Ryder depended on that kiss."

"That's a lot of pressure," Ally shook her head. "Well, now you're stuck with him forever." The blonde put an arm around Catherine as she laughed.

"They'll be fine," Donna nudged Ally. "Boys aren't that bad once you realize they don't have cooties."

"Mine just has fleas," Cassidy looked over to Hyde to make sure he didn't hear that. "I mean, look at that bushy hair." The girls all laughed at this. It felt so good to Donna to laugh for the first time in what felt like years.

"Now you don't have to play the game of love anymore," Danielle added. She seemed a little broken about something. Her gaze kept shifting over to the guys. "At least you know who you belong with."

"There's a lot of comfort in that," Lily said with a dreamy glaze in her eyes. For a moment, Donna thought she was talking about her own experience, but she shook off the thought.

"I think we'll be alright," Catherine stole a glance in Ryder's direction. "I love him."

"Aw," Ally, Donna, and Cassidy all said at the same time. With another round of laughs, Donna turned her attention to Eliza and Fauna. They were on their knees, sitting next to Luara's corpse. Donna felt her heart sink. Here, they had been rejoicing when Laura's body was still cooling. It made Donna feel terrible. She was just grateful to be alive.

Donna broke away from the group and walked over to them. Fauna's face was streaked with many tears. Eliza had let a single droplet smear her light makeup. Donna kneeled again next to Eliza. They were all staring at Laura. "She's slowly coming back," Eliza mentioned quietly. "Now that the soul is dead the possessions starting to drain from her."

Donna looked to see Laura's blonde roots were starting to show. The natural peachy color of her skin was starting to outweigh the paleness. the veins were slowly fading from her neck. Donna still debated in her mind what role Laura had really played. Was she the villain, a victim, or both? Donna just couldn't figure it out. She had done most of the Evil Queen's bidding, but hadn't Donna done the same?

"She would've wanted it this way," Fauna said, still clutching her lip hands. "She never liked her life here. She always said that it would be here before us. I didn't think that it would ever actually happen." Donna felt almost worse. Laura had chosen this path because of a rough life here.

"But now we can move on," Eliza snapped. "Fauna, we both know that it was going to catch up with her sooner or later. Even before Donna came along. At least she had made use of what was coming to her." She got up and walked away from them. Donna looked to Fauna's hurt face. Before Donna came along? She couldn't help but wonder what happened before she had come to Ever After.

What had broken Laura's soul?