An: finale part 1/2

NymhadoraTonks: You'll see the cost, but not to worry, everything will be fixed. Yeah, I wanted Ryder and Catherine to have one last scene. And then Briar and the triplets were always planned to have different reactions. I never had a younger sibling, but I think I would feel the same way as them! LOL.

Eliza and Fauna will be touched on in the next chapter. Mostly Eliza.

PowPow456: Hmmm...you might be right about more adventures...

Thank you both!

After the war had concluded, many didn't know what to do. Donna was exhausted. Raven, Donna, and Ryder magically transported everyone to the White Castle for a night's rest. The curse over Wonderland had been defeated, so both Fauna and Eliza's parents had come to collect them. It made Donna feel worse when the two had to go home alone, knowing that Laura would never return with them.

There wasn't much talk that night. Most people had immediately retired to their rooms. The Queen of Hearts wasn't so fond of the new living quarters, but it would do until Card Castle would be reconstructed. Donna, however, did not go to her room. She didn't wish to be so confined. It was too overwhelming at this point. Seeing the life drain from Laura's eyes would surely deprive her of any sleep.

She was sitting in one of the many living rooms of the castle when Ally walked in. She almost turned away, but then she came and sat right next to Donna. "Hey," she said lightly. "You can't rest either?"

"I just ran away from multiple dragons, watched you almost fall to your death, and then I killed a girl," Ally's eyes were distant. "I'm too terrified to sleep." Donna knew the feeling, she felt that she had a hand in Laura's downfall. But Eliza and Fauna didn't seem to blame her or Ally. They had told Donna it was all Laura's mistakes catching up with her. Did they know that this was inevitable?

"You didn't kill her," Donna shook her head.

"I reflected the magic burst," Ally whispered. She was playing with the bracelet on her wrist. They were so powerful for being so little. "I was the one that is responsible."

"But then that burst would've hit me," Donna pointed out. "You saved my life." She couldn't imagine what would've happened if she, Ryder, and Raven all were hit by the blast. Would they all perish? Or would Donna be the only one who took the fall?

"I suppose that would make me feel better if Laura's body wasn't being transported to Ever After right now," Ally moved from the bracelet and played with her skirts. Donna hadn't bothered to change. She only took off her armor, which laid scattered on the coffee table in front of them.

"I can't say I feel the best about it either," Donna took in a breath. "All of this time, I thought there was nothing good in her. But then she took my hands. She saved me too. But Eliza is who I owe everything."

"What?" Ally raised a brow.

"She was the one that shaped Matt into who he is. Without her, he never would have become so caring and kind and...loving," Donna sighed. She forgot about what he told her earlier today, until now of course. They loved each other, but it felt like something that Donna had always known.

"He fought for his spot you know," Ally said. Donna looked at her, confused. What spot? "I wanted to save you, to have Ryder transport me to help. But he said that he loved you."

"He told you that?" Donna asked.

"Yes, multiple times," Ally recalled. "That's when I knew he needed to go. Because even if you had died, you would've already known how much I love you."

"I do know," Donna held out her pinky. Her best friend linked it wither her own. They laughed before hugging. Donna, for the first time that night, felt comforted.

When Matt knocked on Donna's door, he was surprised there was no answer. He had just gotten back from tea time with his parents and was hoping to at least say goodnight to her before he would go to bed. At his best hopes, he wanted to stay the night with her. He knew that he shouldn't, now that her nightmares would go away with the possession, but he felt like tonight could be an exception.

He knocked again softly. When there was no answer, he opened the door. The room was empty. Matt felt a slight panic rise within him. Why wasn't she there? Where could she be? He had just passed Raven and Dexter in the other hall and they weren't worried at all. Matt was walking down to the other hall where the guys were staying, he was going to find Ryder.

Before he could get there, however, Matt was stopped at the living room. Donna and Ally were both leaning on the other, sleeping. Matt felt a grin form on his lips as she crossed to them. Ally's glasses were pushed half off one eye. Matt kneeled down and reached forward and gently pulled the blue frames off the blonde girl. Ally then fell in the other direction, plopping down on a pillow.

Donna was starting to wake. "Matt?" she whispered.

"Hey," Matt whispered back.

"Are you coming with us tomorrow?" Donna asked. He could tell she was so tired but was trying to fight off sleep the best she could. She was almost talking like a small child, but he didn't mind. She had been through a lot today.

"No," Matt said, taking one of her hands as he scooted closer to her from the floor. "I've got to stay here in Wonderland for a bit. At least until the funeral and the school is back. My mom's going to stay too, it's just easier that way."

"Oh," Donna said, turning her face away. "That's fine." Her hair fell over her face. When he tried to tuck it back, she resisted.

"Donna," Matt chuckled under his breath. She fought him even more until he squeezed himself between her and the end of the couch. It was a tight space, but he didn't care. She turned her face the other way this time, facing Ally. "Donna," Matt called again, turning her chin to his. Her eyes were watery, which he expected. "Whatever happened to: 'I'm not going to hide anything from you anymore?'"

"Because this time, it's out of my control," Donna said meekly as she buried her face in his shirt. He put his arms around her and held her for a moment. He squeezed her close to him, remembering how he almost lost her today. It felt like a lifetime ago now. Donna suddenly became still. She was asleep. He laid her down on the couch and threw a blanket over both girls.

He planted a single kiss on Donna's forehead before turning away. Then he heard her voice again. "Don't leave me now." He looked back to see Donna was staring at him with her violet eyes wide. Matt sighed and moved the coffee table over. Grabbing another two blankets, he would just sleep on the floor next to her.

"Never," he said, grabbing her hand that was peering out from the covers. He was about to shut his eyes, but then she clambered down from her perch on the couch and laid her head on him. He let her inside the blankets. She laid the pillow under both of their heads. As Matt held her close to him, he fell asleep to the sound of her constant breathing. And he was thankful that the love of his life was still alive, and still loved him as much as he did her.

The next morning everyone had packed up their belongings. Donna wished they hadn't had to go. She wanted to stay in the White Castle with Matt. She didn't remember much of the conversation she and Matt had last night, but she remembered that he was going to stay. Sharing only one long kiss this morning before Ally awoke, Donna would only have that to hold onto until she saw him again.

As they were saying goodbyes, Donna went over to Derek. "So, I heard you are going to stay too?"

"Yep," Derek nodded. "You'll be free from me for a whole week."

"I'll make sure I make use of that time," Donna played along. Derek grinned before he embraced her. Donna smiled as they hugged. If anything had truly changed between her and Derek, it was definitely for the better.

"Make sure she doesn't do anything crazy," Derek whispered to Donna before winking. Donna was confused until Ally suddenly was wrapped around Derek's middle.

"Oh, I can't believe I have to be away from you for at least a week!" Ally cried, or at least Donna thought she did. Then, Ally pushed Derek away she had a smile. She said sarcastically, "I'm just kidding, I need a break from you anyway, drama queen."

"That's drama king, to you," Derek pointed at Ally. They both laughed before Derek put his hands on her waist. "And I'll miss you too." Donna looked away before she could witness them kissing again, but thankfully, they didn't. She just wasn't used to her cousin being so soft with her best friend. It was...disturbing. Sweet and good for them, but disturbing.

Brandon didn't get to say goodbye to Danielle. She and her family had gone home as soon as the battle was done. He figured he would get to see her again sooner or later. Or maybe it was better this way. He wouldn't have to say anything about the strange love triangle he had been thrown into these last few days. It was no triangle anymore, he knew where he belonged.

He hadn't spoken to Lily once since she kissed the top of his frog head. He was still trying to make sense of it all himself. Lily was much too young for him to date now. He had to remind himself that she was Derek's sister too. It was all strange and yet...so simple. He was her destiny as she is his. He was sure that they would make it work somehow.

He found her admiring the bushes around the front of the castle gardens. They were away from the crowd of parents and friends. "Hello, Brandon," Lily's dreamy voice called before she even turned to him.

"Hey, Lily," Brandon tried not to get nervous. "I thought I should say goodbye before I leave."

"That's the proper thing to do," Lily's voice dropped to her more normal one. He sat on the stone bench next to her. They sat in silence for a minute, just drinking in the other's company.

"I wanted to ask a-about," Brandon tried to get his words out correctly. "Th-"

"The kiss," Lily finished for him. "What about it?"

"What does it mean?"

"I don't know. It wasn't a real curse, just the meddling of Laura's scheme. So did it really matter that I was the one that kissed you or was it because I was the only one that kissed you that broke the spell?"

She lost him. He was utterly confused. "I never thought of it like that." Brandon put his face in his hands. "I was just wondering what we should do about it."

"That depends on the storyteller," Lily tilted her head. "I can hear her, you know. The narrator."

"You can?" Brandon asked.

"Yep," Lily nodded. "That's how I knew you were coming my way. That's how I know that you were conflicted at the rose garden. But it also told me we were meant for each other."

"We are?" Brandon asked.

"Always with the questioning," Lily shrugged. "Darling didn't understand either. But apparently, Maddie can hear her too. My mom can't, but I sure can. But it's usually when I'm with you or the others. At school, I've never heard it."

"So this narrator," Brandon looked up to the sky. "She's telling you what to do?"

"No," Lily shook her head. "She tells about what we're feeling and our thoughts. Our stories are still ours, but it depends if the storyteller is willing to tell about it." Brandon tried to understand, but his mind was already so boggled. A narrator? How strange that she could hear them. But it also made him adore Lily even more. "I didn't know you adored me."

"So it's true then," Brandon looked up at the sky, trying to see the narrator. Lily laughed.

"Well, I did hear better in Wonderland than in Ever After, but I think that was because the narrator was following Donna more than us," Lily shrugged. "But that's beside the point. I want you to tell me your thoughts, and your feelings. Because I am real on all of mine."

Brandon opened his mouth, but he didn't know what to say. "You can tell me the next time you see me. By then you should know." He would know. Lily grinned to herself.

Donna let out a sigh before being swept up into Matt's embrace. She took in his scent and tried not to cry. She would be fine, but after this, she just wouldn't want to be alone. She had stolen his favorite grey sweatshirt this morning. It was tucked into her backpack. In exchange, she gave Matt his bunny back. It was starting to lose his scent, and she knew he would want it.

It was cold outside, but Matt still had plenty of clothes in the castle. He didn't wear a sweatshirt though, only his magenta coat, which matched the streaks in his hair. Donna had never noticed it had the White Castle seal sewn on it. It made her think of his future here. He was the sole heir to the throne. The castle suited him. It was prim and beautiful in a land filled with wonder. She could see them living there together, but she wouldn't vocalize these thoughts for years.

"I would tell you that I'm going to miss you," Matt whispered. "But then I would just be telling you something you already know."

"I wouldn't mind hearing it again," Donna laughed lightly.

"I'll miss you," Matt said as he squeezed her a little tighter.

"I would tell you that I love you," Donna whispered. "But then I would be telling you something you already know."

"I wouldn't mind hearing it again," Matt pulled back with a grin on his face. Donna laughed again as she looked into his gleaming blue eyes

"We've been saying 'I' a lot," Donna laughed before she kissed his cheek before she hugged him again. "I love you."

"I love you, too," Matt buried his face into her shoulder for a moment. Dreadfully, the couple let go of each other. Matt looked at her in the eyes, taking in all that he could. "It'll only be a week," he smiled before putting his arm around her. "You'll be fine."

"I'm not worried about me," Donna nudged him. "I'm more worried about you and your sanity."

"Need not to worry fair maiden," Derek said in a mock-English accent. "For I shall watch over your curly-haired boy and will be sure he is well disciplined." Derek pulled Matt away from her and put a friendly arm around him. They play fought a little, and Donna tried not to laugh at their weirdness.

"Boys," Ally said as she linked her arm through Donna's. "Who needs them?" They both watched as Matt and Derek continued to poke at each other.

"Not us apparently," Cassidy appeared on Donna's other side, followed by Catherine.

"I don't know, they're kinda cute," Catherine shrugged.

"They are a different breed, that's for sure," Lily's dreamy voice filled with a small laugh. All of the boys had gotten together now. Each exchanging a hug with both Derek and Matt. Donna was glad she wasn't going to be the only one that missed them.

As the kids were saying their goodbyes, the adults were saying theirs. Maddie gave Raven a big hug before pulling off her top hat. She rummaged through the fabric until she found a cup of tea. "Here, for your travels," Maddie handed Raven the cup. She sipped it and smiled. Maddie always knew how to make her smile throughout the years. And she loved her best friend forever after for it.

"I can let your dad know you're staying here if you like," Raven said, giving back the finished cup.

"I already had a pie sent over through the ovens!" Maddie clapped her hands together. "He comes back and forth to his different shops anyways." The friends exchanged another hug, Maddie then smiled at Raven. "How are you holding up?"

"You know," Raven shrugged. It was really strange seeing her mother again. Even if it was just her soul. It had brought back so many painful memories she had taken years to forget. Now it was all fresh in her mind once again."I'll be alright."

"You always are," Maddie's smile widened. "The riddle does not always have to be cracked, but the riddle also might never look back." Raven let a tear fall down her cheek.

"I don't need to go through this again," Raven wiped it away. She tried not to think about it. All of last night she managed to keep her mind off of what happened. She should be happy, and joyous, but she felt the exact opposite. It was like this after the first war, she felt such a hollow in her stomach.

"Maybe not, but the riddle will be cracked, even though you might not want to," Maddie hugged her one last time. "Sometimes riddles are too tough, and you just need help. I guarantee you have plenty." Raven gazed around. She saw Apple chatting with Wade and Lizzie, Dexter laughing with his older brother, and Ryder talking to his friends.

Donna was looking at her. She was surrounded by her group of friends, who were laughing about something. Donna wasn't smiling, she was staring at Raven with concern in her eyes. The eyes that mirrored her grandmother's and Raven's greatest weakness. But Raven for once didn't link them to the Evil Queen, for she had never seen a look of concern come from the malicious woman. From that moment forward, Raven would only see Donna's caring eyes for what they were always made to be.

Her hope.

Leaving Wonderland felt strange without going through the Well of Wonder. Donna was glad they didn't though. She didn't know if she could handle it without holding on to someone tightly. Ally had said her last goodbye before Raven transported her and her family back to the White Castle in Ever After. There was something in Apple's expression that made Donna wonder if something wasn't right. Was there a small regret within her? If so, what could it be?

Before Cassidy and Cerise were sent away, Donna hugged Cassidy once more. "It'll all be okay- remember that," Donna whispered to her. She felt bad for Cassidy and what she was being put through with the divorce. Donna had always assumed the role of therapist for the group. She cared about all of her friends and their problems, and she wasn't going to let them forget from this moment forward.

"With everyone in my corner," Cassidy said quietly, "It's hard to forget." They exchanged smiles before Hyde had swept her into his own arms.

"Miss me?" Hyde raised a confident brow.

"You'll have to wait and see," Cassidy smiled. She kissed the tips of her fingers before pressing them to his lips. Hyde slightly blushed as he let go of her. As the mother and daughter were transported back to Hood Hollow. Hyde sighed with admiration and sadness.

Ryder and Catherine shared a long hug before Raven transported the Beauty-Croakington family home. Donna still couldn't believe that Briar was pregnant. It made Donna wonder about the possibility of her own younger sibling. She knew it wouldn't happen though. With her father being the middle child of three, all born in the same year's time, and then Raven being an only child, two Queen-Charming kids seemed to be the perfect compromise.

Hopper collected Briar first, then Hyde and Catherine went to their parent's sides. Briar looked around for her missing son. Donna turned her gaze to the flower garden where the youngest Beauty-Croakington boy emerged. "Are you coming, Brandon?" she asked. "We'll leave without you, you know."

"That wouldn't be the worst thing," Hyde muttered playfully. Both Briar and Catherine elbowed him. Brandon looked back at the garden one last time before taking his place next to Hopper. Rave transported them with a small goodbye.

The next thing Donna knew, she was back at Queen Castle herself. She liked the way her mother's magic worked-magical transports were much smoother and shorter. The dark brick walls greeted Donna's eyes and made her grin a bit. As much as she liked Wade's castle, it was a little too bright for her liking. She didn't really know what to do first. She didn't have much to unpack or to do.

She went to her room without a word, but it just didn't feel right. Donna sat down on her bed and gazed at all of her posters of fairytale movies. They were such easy tales compared to the one Donna was just put through. The prince would kiss the princess, and their true love would save the day. Donna once believed that true love could fix everything, but she knew it was wrong. Her other half, Matt had found love for her even when she pushed him away. He did help fix everything, but Donna knew there was more to the story.

Because true love wasn't just between lovers. Donna thought of Ally and how she saved her life. Catherine, who took many risks for Donna, slowly coming out of that thick shell of hers. Cassidy, who put aside her own problems to help Donna. Hyde and Brandon, who always kept her smiling with their bad jokes and quirky remarks. That was the love of friendship.

Love even can come from unexpected places. Derek, who was once an outsider in Donna's life, was suddenly one of her best friends. Eliza, who had listened and freed Donna to fix the grave mistakes she had made. And even Luara, who had given her life for Donna, and trusted her to take care of her dearest friends that she had in her short life.

Of course, she couldn't forget Ryder, who had always been there for her from the start, and never gave up on her. The love of family.

But most importantly, the love of legacy. All of the original fighters of the War of Destiny had returned to the battlefield to protect her because of the love they had for her mother, Raven, who went from hiding things to clear transparency of her past. She had trusted people to help her and it led to saving the fate of Ever After, again. All of this time, Donna thought she was the only broken one, but she realized...

The legacy had been broken from the start.

Donna had traveled to the other side of the castle, the forbidden part. It didn't really feel like that anymore. She wanted to go back to where it all had truly begun. Traveling through the dark tunnel without the torch, Donna went straight to the spiral staircase. As she climbed, she could hear distant sniffles. Donna froze. Wasn't she supposed to be the only one here?

Taking a small breath, Donna pushed open the door. Raven was sitting on the edge of the bed. Her cheeks contained streaks of fallen tears. All of the passion and slight anger that built up Donna's confidence faded with a single, shaky breath. Raven looked up at her daughter, before putting on a sad smile. "You had the same idea too?"

"For a different reason," Donna said as she sat down next to Raven. She eyed the crown sitting close by.

"I didn't want to hide him from you," Raven shook her head as she wiped away some tears. "Truly, I didn't. He was once a happy man, then my mother...just twisted his mind in ways I won't explain to you. Seeing...seeing her soul again just brought it all back. Those horrid memories of the war, the fights, and t-the pain." Donna's stomach dropped when she let a few more tears fall.

"It wasn't your fault, mom," Donna shook her head.

"I just wish I could've taken him out of the trance he was living in. It was just ridiculous. Maybe he never did care about me, only my mother. He always wanted her to be good. He just held onto his hope through me. Once she was gone, there was nothing left for him to care about. Oh, you wouldn't know...It was a long time ago."

"I saw the fight," Donna said quietly. "It was the first memory I ever saw."

"What?" Raven asked. "You saw that?"

"I did," Donna placed a hand on top of her mother's. "But I know he did care about you. Can I show you?" Raven's violet eyes looked uncertainly into Donna's. For once, Donna realized that Raven didn't have a spell of memories when she looked into her eyes. It made Donna feel more love towards her mom as she held her hand and touched the bracelet to the crown.

...

"Why would you do such a thing?" a man's voice called from outside of the door. The door swung open to reveal a younger Evil Queen and Good King storming into the room. Matt's heart began to beat in his ears. He was filled with terror for a moment, then realized this was the memory.

"Because I'm already on my way to mirror prison," she collected some things from the room. She grabbed a raven skull on the dresser and placed it as a jewel in her spiked-up hair. "Why aren't you out fishing or something?"

"I'm too busy raising our daughter," the Good King said firmly.

"Oh," the Evil Queen stood up straight, "You're going to bring that up again?! She needs to learn how to be bad for her destiny. I'm doing more than you think!"

"But poisoning Wonderland," he furrowed his eyebrows. "That's too much! Our daughter needs a loving home!"

"I want world domination!" her eyes were filled with fire. "All I needed was my destiny! And that's all Raven needs! I will teach her the ways of evil by being the most feared queen in history!" She laughed as she stormed out of the room. The Good King stood there, tears forming in his eyes. He slumped down on his bed, his head in his hands.

Donna thought the memory was over, but it kept going...

"Dad?" a child's voice was at the door. A little Raven peeked in the crack of the door. "Are you okay?"

"No," the Good King waved her in. Raven came into the door slowly and went to her father. He picked her up and set her on his lap. "But I will be. And so will you. Just remember that I love you."

"I love you too, dad," the child scanned his face. "What's wrong?" The Good King paused for a moment then smiled.

"You haven't given me a hug today, and I'm so distressed," he put a hand on his forehead. "Oh, you're hurting me, Raven!"

The little Raven laughed before wrapping her little arms around her father's neck. The man hugged his daughter back, his face had changed back to despair, but then he grinned as closed his eyes and took in the embrace.

...

They were quiet for a few minutes. Donna didn't wish to provoke her mom in any way. Raven didn't let another tear fall before she pulled Donna into an embrace. She was taken aback yet again but hugged her mother back. "Thank you," Raven whispered.

"You were never in the wrong, mom," Donna told her. "The white rose was nothing. Your heart was too loving, and the Evil Queen couldn't handle that. She had always been the weak one. The Good King never wanted to be apart from you, he wanted to be loved. But, he never realized he already had it."

"She's right Raven," Dexter said. Both women gasped in surprise.

"Have you been standing there the whole time?" Raven asked. Dexter smiled with a small blush on his cheeks.

"When will you learn I know you too well?" Dexter raised an eyebrow. "But even so, Donna's right. I've told you, Raven, your capacity for love is what had made your mom so jealous, and it made your dad regret how you were raised. It had inspired you for the family that we have now. And even if it was a touch road, it was worth the destination." He sat next to Donna a placed an arm around both of them.

"Such a sweet sentiment, dad," Ryder said leaning against the door frame.

"Have you been standing there too?" Donna asked.

"No, I meant to transport myself to the kitchen for some snacks," Ryder shrugged. "I need to work on my magic."

"You have plenty of time to master it," Raven held out an arm to him. Ryder placed himself on the bed next to Donna and Raven. "As long as you know that I'm always here for you. No matter what the situation, no matter what the day."

"We both are," Dexter added. The couple exchanged loving smiles.

"We promise we will never forget, forever after," Donna spoke for both of them. Ryder nodded in agreement before the family shared a hug. It was at this moment did Donna feel like the chapter had officially closed on the reign of the Evil Queen. The pain and the suffering she had brought to the world would now begin to fade from this moment on. She had been forever vanquished by the most powerful thing...

Love.